Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was taken to the hospital with a minor whiplash injury after a man struck her in central Copenhagen, her office reported. Despite the incident, Frederiksen is “safe but shaken,” and her scheduled engagements for Saturday were cancelled.
Eyewitnesses recounted to Danish media that the 46-year-old prime minister was assaulted on Kultorvet square in the capital’s historic centre on Friday but managed to walk away from the scene. Police swiftly arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the incident.
Local media stated that the suspect later appeared in a pre-trial custody hearing in a Copenhagen district court. The man denied any animosity towards Frederiksen, stating she was “a really good prime minister” and expressing surprise at encountering her on the street. Police, investigating the assault, do not believe it was politically motivated. Reports indicated the man was drunk and under the influence of other drugs at the time. He is a Polish citizen who has resided in Denmark for a long time.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from across Europe. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his shock and condemnation on the social media platform X, saying, “I strongly condemn all violence against our political leaders.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described it as a “despicable act which goes against everything we believe and fight for in Europe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the attack “unacceptable” and wished Frederiksen a quick recovery. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sent a get-well message on X, stating, “Dear Mette, I wish you a speedy recovery.” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized, “Democracies must be free from intimidation and threats.” Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo strongly condemned the violence, asserting, “I strongly condemn any form of violence against democratically elected leaders in our free societies.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson highlighted the broader implications, writing, “An attack on a democratically elected leader is also an attack on our democracy.”
The incident coincides with the EU’s 27 countries electing over 700 members of the European Parliament during four days of voting that began on Thursday. Danish voters are set to go to the polls on Sunday. This follows a recent spate of attacks on politicians in Europe, including an attack on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico on May 15, where he was shot and seriously injured.
