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Attack on Danish PM not politically motivated, police say

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Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reported feeling “shaken” but otherwise “fine” following an attack in Copenhagen’s old town. On Friday evening, a man approached her and struck her, causing minor whiplash. The 39-year-old Polish suspect, who was detained and charged with violence against a public official, has pleaded not guilty. Police, who suspect the man was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, do not believe the attack was politically motivated.

After the incident, Frederiksen was taken to a hospital for a check-up, and her Saturday schedule was canceled. She expressed gratitude for the support she received via an Instagram post, where she mentioned her need for rest and time with her family.

European leaders condemned the attack, with EU chief Charles Michel expressing outrage and French President Emmanuel Macron calling it “unacceptable.” The incident occurred just two days before the European elections, in which Denmark is participating.

Frederiksen, 46, is the leader of Denmark’s Social Democrats and became the country’s youngest prime minister in 2019.

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Danish PM suffered whiplash in street attack

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Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, was unexpectedly attacked while walking in Copenhagen’s city center, leaving her shocked and with minor whiplash. The assailant, swiftly apprehended, prompted concern over the motive behind the assault. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incident, echoing sentiments against such violence in Europe. Witnesses described the assailant’s forceful push on Frederiksen, who managed to avoid falling completely but sought recovery at a nearby café.

The attack, occurring just before Denmark’s EU election, raises concerns over political safety. Frederiksen’s Social Democrats, though still leading in polls, have experienced declining support. Colleagues expressed solidarity and shock over the assault, while EU officials denounced it vehemently.

Frederiksen, at 46, became Denmark’s youngest prime minister in 2019, known internationally for her disagreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland’s purchase suggestion. Additionally, her government’s mink culling during the Covid-19 pandemic drew criticism in 2022.

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Austrian heiress Marlene Engelhorn announces plan for €25m giveaway

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Marlene Engelhorn, a 31-year-old Austro-German heiress residing in Vienna, is taking a unique approach to wealth redistribution. Inheriting a substantial fortune from her grandmother, Traudl Engelhorn-Vechiatto, who was valued at $4.2 billion, Marlene aims to address the inequality exacerbated by the absence of inheritance tax in Austria since 2008. Motivated by a sense of responsibility, she has initiated the Good Council for Redistribution, inviting 10,000 randomly selected Austrians over 16 to participate in deciding how €25 million of her inheritance should be allocated.

The Good Council for Redistribution seeks to assemble a diverse group of 50 individuals, spanning various age groups, federal states, social classes, and backgrounds. This citizen-led initiative, supported by the Foresight Institute, aims to foster inclusivity and collaborative decision-making. Participants will engage in a series of meetings held in Salzburg from March to June, where they will work with academics and civil society organizations to explore and develop solutions beneficial to society as a whole.

The unique aspect of this initiative lies in its commitment to inclusivity and fairness. The meetings will be barrier-free, offering childcare and interpreters as needed. Participants will receive financial compensation of €1,200 for every weekend they attend, recognizing the value of their contributions. Marlene Engelhorn emphasizes that she is entrusting her assets to the chosen council without holding veto rights, demonstrating a genuine commitment to involving citizens in the decision-making process.

Despite the initiative’s noble intentions, Austria’s stance on inheritance tax remains a contentious issue. The abolished tax, in place for 16 years, has drawn criticism, with the Social Democrats advocating for its reinstatement. However, the conservative People’s Party, currently the senior partner in Austria’s coalition government with the Greens, rejects this proposal, emphasizing their commitment to reducing taxes and increasing citizens’ net income. The future of wealth redistribution in Austria, both through citizen initiatives and potential policy changes, remains a topic of ongoing debate.

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Germany to cut green spending to meet budget rules

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that his coalition reached an agreement on the budget following a month of crisis talks. The decision comes after Germany’s constitutional court declared next year’s budget illegal for violating laws on new borrowing. The government plans to adhere to low deficit commitments by cutting certain green subsidies, including ending solar energy and electric car subsidies earlier than initially planned.

Last month, the constitutional court ruled that the 2024 budget violated a clause prohibiting Germany from running a deficit exceeding 0.35% of GDP. Although the deficit was a small portion of total spending, around €17bn or 3.8% of the €450bn budget, negotiations to address the gap were challenging. The coalition parties disagreed on whether to cut spending or suspend debt rules for the fifth consecutive year.

Ultimately, the coalition agreed to reduce subsidies for green energy, construction, and transportation spending. Chancellor Scholz emphasized that the government remains committed to its environmental goals but acknowledged the need to achieve them with reduced funding. The cuts will accelerate the phase-out of subsidies for electric car purchases and solar energy infrastructure, as well as change the funding structure for Germany’s railways.

Reduced spending on the electrical grid will lead to higher electricity costs for consumers. However, approximately €3bn in subsidies to polluting industries will be cut, and the carbon emission prices for companies will increase, partially offsetting the environmental cutbacks.

While the German government, a major supporter of Ukraine in Europe, assured that support for Ukraine would remain unaffected, it will send about €8bn in aid next year. All three coalition parties claimed victories in the spending agreement, with the Social Democrats limiting cuts to the welfare state, the Free Democrats preventing new borrowing, and the Greens asserting that core environmental aims are maintained despite some rolled-back schemes.

Germany’s political culture strongly opposes debt and deficits, with an aversion to high spending. However, some economists argue that this aversion has resulted in persistent underinvestment in crucial infrastructure. Despite this, Germany has one of the lowest public debts among major developed countries.

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