Sønderborg mayor condemns Red-Green Alliance over attack on local businessman

The mayor of Sønderborg Municipality, Erik Lauritzen (Social Democrats), has sharply criticised the Red-Green Alliance for what he calls “unforgivable” public attacks on Linak owner Bent Jensen, following the party’s Facebook post accusing the businessman of “blackmail” over his opposition to a proposed wealth tax.

Speaking to DR, Lauritzen condemned the party’s tone as unacceptable: “I am truly tired and saddened that the Red-Green Alliance stoops to such a low level, smearing good citizens in this way. It is completely unheard of and unforgivable to direct such outbursts at citizens. How politicians speak to each other is one thing, but this is simply too low.”

The controversy follows a Facebook post by the Red-Green Alliance criticising Jensen for refusing to pay a potential wealth tax and threatening to withdraw financial support for local sports clubs and university programmes on the island of Als if the tax is introduced. While Lauritzen declined to comment on Jensen’s stance, he emphasised the businessman’s significant contributions to the local community.

Peder Hvelplund, parliamentary group leader for the Red-Green Alliance, rejected the mayor’s criticism, arguing that Jensen had entered the political debate himself by publicly opposing the tax in Berlingske newspaper. “He used his economic capital to present a political viewpoint. When you do that, you must also be prepared to have that viewpoint challenged,” Hvelplund said, adding that he saw no issue with the party’s response.

Local residents in Sønderborg expressed mixed views. Tom Lorenzen disapproved of the Red-Green Alliance’s approach, stating: “Bent Jensen joined the debate, but being singled out like this, with photos and everything—that kind of campaign doesn’t sit right with me.” Bettina Christensen agreed, calling the post “too personal” and suggesting the party should have focused on the company rather than the individual.

The Red-Green Alliance has also targeted other high-profile business figures, including Erling Daell (Harald Nyborg), Vestas director Henrik Andersen, and Danfoss owner Jørgen Mads Clausen, accusing them of threatening to leave Denmark if the wealth tax is implemented. Lauritzen confirmed his support for the Social Democrats’ wealth tax proposal but stressed that political disagreements should not escalate into personal attacks.