20-year-old becomes Danish People’s Party’s sole Tønder councillor

Mads-Magnus Damm, 20, is the only Danish People’s Party representative left on Tønder Municipality’s council after two colleagues left the party and the local association’s entire board resigned. DR reports that the reasons for the departures are unclear.

Five days ago, the party had three council members in Tønder. Damm is now without local party colleagues or an association to consult. He is also the national chair of Danish People’s Party Youth.

“I would have preferred not to be in this situation, but I am still optimistic about the future,” Damm said. He said he believes the party has a lot to offer politically and that he will focus on that ahead of the next election.

People interviewed on the streets of Tønder expressed concern about the party’s situation. Annika Ethelberg, who voted for the party in last year’s municipal election, called it “a complete mess” and said party members should be better at talking things through.

Linda Brandt, who voted personally for Pernille Brylle, said she was disappointed that Brylle left the party and became an independent councillor. Brylle followed fellow party member Allan Svendsen, who left over the weekend.

Brandt said elected representatives should try to resolve disagreements rather than leave the party with the mandates voters gave them. She is nevertheless considering voting for the Danish People’s Party again, saying Damm is young but has a great deal of work ahead to find people who can work with him.