After 36 years of trying, 85-year-old Tonny Borrinjaland from Bornholm has finally secured a seat in the local council. His long political journey reflects endurance, passion, and a deep connection to his island.
A Lifelong Pursuit Finally Rewarded
For nearly four decades, Tonny Borrinjaland has appeared on local election ballots in Bornholm. Since 1989, he has run for seats under various parties and lists, always coming up short. This week, that changed. Representing the Danish People’s Party, he finally earned a spot in the Bornholm municipal council.
The 85-year-old, a native of the island, saw his party receive close to 20 percent of the vote. That result made the party one of the largest in the new council and brought him a personal victory with 39 votes.
Born in 1940, Borrinjaland spent his career as a bricklayer and saved for his many travels around the world. Even at his age, he commutes around the island on foot, by bus, and bike, often seen carrying his tools.
From Independence Advocate to Party Politician
Throughout his political life, Borrinjaland has been known as a distinctive voice. He first gained recognition for translating the Bible and a hymn book into the Bornholm dialect. But his political identity truly developed when he founded the “Bornholm Self-Government Party” in 1989, pushing for an independent Bornholm similar to the autonomous statuses of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Despite years of dedication, his self-rule movement never gained traction, and by 2009, his party’s presence faded. In later elections, he joined the Danish People’s Party, aligning himself with more populist and national lines, particularly focused on strengthening local governance and Danish traditions.
On policy matters, he strongly opposes the planned Energy Island Bornholm project and Denmark’s wildlife management initiatives that may affect local farming and land use.
Embracing Old Age with Energy
Despite being the oldest candidate in the Bornholm election, Borrinjaland dismisses the notion that age could slow him down. He describes himself as “young at heart” and full of ideas for improving the island community.
Nevertheless, he has turned down offers to take committee positions in the new council, admitting it could be too much responsibility at once. Instead, he plans to focus on key issues such as promoting local businesses, tourism, and farming.
Borrinjaland’s platform centers on strengthening equality between men and women, supporting local industry, and pushing for better conditions for the island’s rural economy. He also advocates for stricter immigration policies and opposes what he calls parallel societies that conflict with Danish law.
A Familiar Face Becomes a Local Symbol
Over the decades, Bornholm residents have grown accustomed to seeing Borrinjaland’s name on the ballot. His persistence turned into a local story of commitment, becoming almost a tradition at each election cycle. Now, after countless campaigns, his dream has been realized.
Interestingly, Borrinjaland’s given name was Pedersen. He changed it in the 1970s to “Borrinjaland,” meaning “land of the Bornholmers,” a symbolic statement of his connection to the island.
His election win not only fulfills a lifelong aspiration but also adds historical texture to a small community known for long-serving local figures and grassroot politics.
As Bornholm’s new council prepares to begin work, Borrinjaland enters with decades of experience, a mix of idealism and realism, and a motivation rooted in love for his birthplace. For him, the achievement is far more than political—it is the closing chapter of a dream that began before the fall of the Berlin Wall and has endured through generations of civic change.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Denmark Unveils New Wolf Management Plan
The Danish Dream: Best Lawyer in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: 85-årige Tonny er blevet valgt ind på Bornholm efter 36 års mislykkede forsøg
