Five pieces of advice for aspiring mayors from a former Danish mayor

Nearly half of Denmark’s municipalities elected new mayors after last year’s local elections, and many of the newcomers are now receiving mentorship from former mayors. Birgit S. Hansen, who served as mayor of Frederikshavn Municipality for nearly 11 years, shares her key lessons from the role.

After November’s local elections, 40 of Denmark’s 98 municipalities welcomed new mayors. To help them adjust, the association Local Government Denmark (KL) has paired inexperienced mayors with former ones for guidance. Birgit S. Hansen, who led Frederikshavn Municipality from 2014 to 2024, offers five pieces of advice for those considering—or already in—the role.

1. The job never stops

Being a mayor is not a 9-to-5 position, Hansen stresses. The role demands constant availability, whether at a family dinner, a school meeting, or even a distant relative’s funeral. During her tenure, she regularly worked 60–80 hours a week, starting before dawn and ending late at night. At one point, she calculated receiving an average of 18 emails per hour—many from dissatisfied citizens or businesses.

“There were evenings when I got home and just couldn’t bring myself to discuss something as mundane as winter tires for the car,” she says. “I was completely drained.”

2. Protect your personal relationships

The all-consuming nature of the job can strain personal life if boundaries aren’t set. Hansen recalls a moment when a friend, after receiving a message signed “Birgit,” replied, “Who’s Birgit?”—a sign of how much her identity had merged with the role.

She advises maintaining connections outside politics, whether through regular walks with a friend, sports, or simply scheduling time for a drink with loved ones. “Find something that reminds you of who you are beyond the title,” she says.

3. Set limits on social media

While mayors can’t avoid online platforms—where much public debate happens—Hansen warns against constant engagement. “You have to find a way to check discussions without letting them dominate your mornings, afternoons, and evenings,” she says.

She experienced firsthand the darker side of public exposure, including death threats and verbal abuse during contentious issues like the mink culling controversy. “I’ve been called names I won’t repeat,” she admits.

4. Watch the celebratory cakes

Hansen jokes that one unexpected challenge was the sheer volume of cakes at public events. “If you accept a slice at every ribbon-cutting or meeting, you’ll end up with a sugar problem,” she says. The advice is lighthearted but underscores a broader point: small habits, like diet or exercise, can easily slip when the job dominates.

5. Embrace the highs and lows

Despite the demands, Hansen describes the role as a “privilege” filled with unforgettable moments—from hosting royal visits to officiating weddings at 6 a.m. Yet she doesn’t romanticize it. “It’s a tough job, but if you love local democracy, it’s incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Now working with KL, she will soon mentor three new mayors, passing on the lessons she learned—both the triumphs and the trials.