Alternativet’s political leader Franciska Rosenkilde discusses her journey from chef to politician, addressing everything from climate policy and controversial milk debates to the Middle East conflict. However, she avoids answering directly who should be Denmark’s next prime minister.
From Chef to Climate Activist
It was perhaps somewhat accidental that Franciska Rosenkilde ended up in politics, eventually leading the party Alternativet. Originally, she was training to become a chef. While working in the kitchen, she first heard about a new party with a special focus on climate issues.
She immediately thought this was the party she had been waiting for. Finally, a party that understood it wasn’t enough to just have some green politicians. This was a truly green party. For a long time, she had been thinking about taking action on behalf of the climate.
As her culinary education progressed, she became increasingly aware that current practices couldn’t continue. The way food is produced needs to change. The climate footprint is too large, and the climate crisis is so serious for our future that action must be taken. In 2014, she joined Alternativet. Seven years later, in 2021, she was elected as the party’s political leader.
The Milk Controversy
Rosenkilde herself doesn’t eat meat or drink milk. She describes herself as an ambitious vegetarian. When asked whether a politician or candidate for Alternativet can go around eating French hot dogs and shawarma, she responds that it’s certainly possible.
She wouldn’t consider it the best move to stand eating French hot dogs during an Alternativet debate. However, many of their members and candidates do eat meat. She has no interest in shaming anyone.
When Alternative Becomes Too Alternative
The question arose whether Alternativet can become too alternative, referencing what Rosenkilde calls the milk gate incident. During the Folkemødet on Bornholm in 2023, a liter of cow’s milk in Alternativet’s refrigerator created heated debate when volunteers were confronted by party members about the milk.
Rather than seeing this as a problem, Rosenkilde believes this is exactly where they can do something unique that no other party can. It helps create a debate about how dairy products are produced.
From Climate Policy to Middle East Conflict
For a long time, climate policy has been what Alternativet and Rosenkilde personally have been focused on. However, since October 7, 2023, when the terrorist organization Hamas attacked Israel and killed around 1,200 people, Rosenkilde has used question time with the prime minister to focus on Israel and Gaza.
Alternativet has repeatedly criticized the government’s stance toward Israel. In September, Rosenkilde called for action from the government. She views the situation as a genocide being carried out by Israel against Gaza. Denmark sees itself as allied with Israel and contributes weapons technology to Israel, giving Denmark a role in the conflict.
South Africa has brought a case about genocide in Gaza against Israel to the International Court of Justice, which has not yet ruled on the matter. Israel has repeatedly rejected the accusation.
The Question of Hamas
When asked about supporting a free Gaza where Hamas still leads and distributes power, Rosenkilde stated she’s focused on achieving peace. That means no one killing each other or committing terror. She’s somewhat indifferent to what they’re called, who they are, or what they believe in.
When pressed about Hamas being a terrorist organization, she acknowledged that as long as they commit terror, they cannot be part of a peaceful solution. Her focus remains on peace for both Israelis, Jews, and Palestinians.
The Next Prime Minister Question
At the 2022 parliamentary election, things went well for Alternativet. After a period with low poll numbers, they received 3.3 percent of the votes and entered Parliament with six seats. To many people’s surprise, the election result made it possible to form a government with the red-green majority and mandates from Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
However, this didn’t become reality as Mette Frederiksen instead formed a government across the center with Venstre and Moderaterne. For the upcoming election, Mette Frederiksen stands alone as the prime ministerial candidate. Now it’s about who she wants to work with, rather than who others point to.
Avoiding Direct Answers
When asked who Alternativet sees as their prime ministerial candidate, Rosenkilde suddenly became busy eating her dessert. She cannot point to a candidate right now, but it will be in the red bloc that a candidate should be found. Even though Alternativet sees itself as a green progressive party and not a socialist party, it’s the bloc they undoubtedly share the greatest common values with.
At the present time, she’s in opposition to Mette Frederiksen, and that’s what she’s focusing on. Despite discussions about Denmark’s political direction, the question of prime ministerial candidates remains unanswered by Alternativet’s leadership.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: The Real Reason Denmark Needs Stronger Defence Strategy Now
The Danish Dream: Best Political News in Denmark for Foreigners
