Niclas Aarestrup

It has never been a secret that I am passionate about politics, about people, about justice and about community. KristenDemokraterne became my political home when I was looking for a place where values such as responsibility, care for your neighbour and human dignity are at the centre. I am deeply grateful for the trust I am shown as a member of the national executive, chair of the Funen regional organisation and spokesperson on several policy areas.

I live in Assens on western Funen, a place where you feel close to nature and at the same time see every day how important functioning infrastructure is. Sustainable mobility and a fair balance between urban and rural areas are at the heart of my political work, both in KristenDemokraterne and in the other contexts where I have the opportunity to work on these issues.

At the same time I want to see a stronger Region of Southern Denmark, with better cohesion and more opportunities for development across the entire region. We need to reduce the gap between living in a larger city and in a smaller local community, and we must ensure that all areas are included in future opportunities. That also includes our responsibility towards the German minority and the close, strong cooperation with our neighbouring regions, not least Schleswig-Holstein.

We also need a more independent, secure and responsible digital Denmark. I want the Region of Southern Denmark to be among those leading the way in reducing expensive and unnecessary IT licenses, protecting our data and strengthening digital sovereignty. This is about economy, security and freedom, using open and transparent solutions that we ourselves control, instead of being dependent on large commercial platforms.

We must also become much better at supporting our most vulnerable fellow citizens, and especially at helping young people before they reach the point of falling over the edge. Early intervention and holistic solutions must be cornerstones in how we organise services in the region.

I believe in a society where we put people before systems, also when it comes to technology. Where we take responsibility for each other, for the vulnerable, for the environment, for our digital freedom and for future generations. KristenDemokraterne is a party that dares to talk about values, and to live by them.

Every single day I am glad to be part of the team that is building KristenDemokraterne stronger, across the country and in the heart of Danish politics. And I hope that even more people will join us. Denmark needs a value-based centrist party that stands firmly on respect, freedom, care for your neighbour and responsibility.

That party is, and will remain, KristenDemokraterne.

Thank you for your votes and your trust at the most recent regional election. It was not enough for a seat in the regional council this time, but I continue the work and bring the experience with me into my political life.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted, both for me personally and for KristenDemokraterne, and thank you to all who helped secure a solid turnout. Even if it has become somewhat fashionable to switch party during a term – sometimes very quickly – and even if promises and big words often fade away, election day is still the moment when citizens can make their voices heard and use their democratic right.

It is worth remembering that many people close to us are fighting hard for rights we often take for granted. The people of Belarus and Georgia are facing governments shaped in the image of Putin. Ukraine is fighting a real war for their country, their rights and, yes, their very lives. And in Moldova you constantly feel the pressure from the Kremlin and attempts to destabilise the country.

Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported, both inside and outside KristenDemokraterne. Congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected representatives across Denmark, and to everyone who ran or helped in the campaigns. Politics is a team effort, and without volunteers, candidates and local organisations, democracy would not work in practice.

Personally, I continue working for a transport policy that includes all of Denmark, where mobility is a right regardless of whether you live in town or country, are wealthy or on a low income, or live with a disability. Experience from the Region of Southern Denmark plays an important role in that work. We need sustainable mobility and a better balance between town and country, stronger rail connections, flexible public transport and solutions that make everyday life possible both in small local communities and larger cities. This also includes cooperation in the border region, our responsibility towards the German minority and strengthening close ties with Schleswig-Holstein and the rest of Europe.

I also continue the fight for a way of digitalising society that does not leave people behind, and where we protect our children, young people and our personal data in a sensible way. Denmark needs to be digitally resilient, with real social cohesion and without locking itself into digital chains. That means fewer expensive, closed IT systems and more focus on open standards, transparency and digital sovereignty, so that we can take back control of our data and reduce our dependency on a handful of global tech giants.

My engagement in foreign policy continues as well. We should stand up for the weak, speak out for persecuted Christians and other minorities, work closely with our neighbours and defend democracy and fair play. And I want to help ensure that KristenDemokraterne remains an active and visible part of the European People’s Party (EPP) and of cooperation with our Nordic sister parties. We share the same fundamental values, even if we express them differently depending on culture and context.

Finally, I continue working for a mental health system that is actually able to carry the people who need help when life hurts. Children, young people and adults must not fall between the cracks but receive timely diagnosis, real treatment and support instead of being left on waiting lists. Social policies must provide vulnerable people with that extra helping hand which, at times, is the difference between standing on your own feet and falling through the net completely. That also applies to disability policy, where far too many meet barriers, delays and a lack of understanding. A society is measured by how it treats those who struggle the most, and there is still a lot that needs to be improved.

Now we look ahead and continue building on the foundation and the next steps. 🌱

No opinion pieces found yet.

Email: 06naarestrup@kd.dk
Phone: +45 93 80 79 13
Facebook: facebook.com/NiclasAarestrupKD

If you would like to support my political work in KristenDemokraterne, you are very welcome to contribute financially. Every contribution helps with printed materials, campaigns and outreach, both between and during elections.