Candidate for the Christian Democrats in the Region of Southern Denmark
It has never been a secret that I am driven by politics, by people, by fairness and by community. The Christian Democrats became my political home because I wanted a place where responsibility, compassion, and human dignity are at the center. I am deeply grateful for the trust I meet as a member of the national board, as chair of the Funen constituency, and through several spokesperson roles.
I live in Assens on West Funen – a place where you feel the closeness to nature and the need for functioning infrastructure. Sustainable mobility and the balance between rural and urban areas are therefore core priorities in my political work, both within the Christian Democrats and in the other contexts where I get the chance to contribute.
At the same time, I want to see a stronger Region of Southern Denmark – with better cohesion and opportunities for development across the entire region. We must reduce the gap between the larger cities and the smaller local communities and make sure every area shares in the opportunities of the future. This also includes our responsibility toward the German minority and the close, constructive cooperation with our neighbouring regions, not least Schleswig-Holstein.
We also need a more independent, secure, and responsible digital Denmark. I will work for the Region of Southern Denmark to take the lead in reducing expensive and unnecessary IT licence costs, protecting our data, and strengthening digital sovereignty. This is about economy, security, and freedom – using open and transparent solutions that we control ourselves, rather than being dependent on large commercial platforms.
And we must get much better at caring for our most vulnerable citizens – especially supporting our young people before they fall through the cracks. Early help and holistic solutions must be cornerstones of the region’s efforts.
I believe in a society where we put people before systems – including when it comes to technology. Where we take responsibility for one another, for the vulnerable, for the environment, for our digital freedom, and for future generations. The Christian Democrats dare to talk about values – and to live them.
I am grateful every day to be part of the team that is building the Christian Democrats stronger – across the country and at the heart of Danish politics. And I hope even more people will join in. Denmark needs a value-driven center party that stands firm on respect, freedom, compassion, and responsibility.
That party is, and will remain, the Christian Democrats.
One of my most important political fights is the balance between rural and urban areas. In Southern Denmark, we feel the differences clearly: while cities grow and gain new opportunities, many local communities struggle to maintain basic services such as public transport, healthcare, and accessible infrastructure. Read more
I live on Western Funen, an area with great closeness to nature—but where the distance to jobs, education, and healthcare can feel even greater when infrastructure fails. That’s why I fight for sustainable mobility—not only green transport, but also accessibility for all citizens, no matter where they live.
The region plays a crucial role in connecting our areas. We must invest in better rail links, ensure access to flexible public transport, and support local solutions—for example car-sharing schemes and flexible rural routes. Climate and social concerns must go hand in hand; we have a responsibility for both environment and people.
A cohesive Southern Denmark requires political will—and respect for the people who keep everyday life going in our rural districts.
The Region of Southern Denmark holds some of Denmark’s greatest opportunities—and some of its greatest challenges. From strong cities such as Odense and Esbjerg to small local communities in South and Southern Jutland, on Funen and the islands. I work for a region where everyone can succeed—not only those in the bigger cities. Read more
We need to reduce geographical and social disparities. It’s not only about infrastructure but also education, healthcare, and business development. Local jobs, reliable childcare, and access to qualified treatment must not depend on your postcode.
A key focus area is close cooperation with our neighbouring regions—especially Schleswig-Holstein—and the responsibility we have towards the German minority. An open, well-functioning borderland is not just a historical legacy; it is a strength we must develop further.
I believe Southern Denmark can be a frontrunner in decentral development and sustainable solutions—but it requires that we insist on politics guided by values and by the bigger picture.
A society is known by how it treats those most in need. In Southern Denmark, we see too clearly that mental health services have long been under pressure—especially for young people. Too many children and young people wait far too long for help. Read more
The government’s new initiative to strengthen mental health is a crucial step in the right direction. A focus on transitions, more in-patient capacity, and stronger cooperation across sectors is essential. But plans are not enough—we must make sure they are carried out locally, with concrete action. Here, the regions play a key role.
That’s why I want Southern Denmark to be among the regions that lead the way. We must seize the opportunity to think anew—and more humanely. Mental health care must be more holistic and preventive. We must dare to break down silos and work across schools, municipalities, families, and treatment systems. Help must start early—not only when everything collapses.
Early action is not only cheaper—it is better. If we see the signs in time and act with respect, presence, and professionalism, far more young people can regain their footing.
For the government’s plan to succeed, we must take local ownership and put action behind the words. I am ready to do that.
The region’s IT must be secure, cost‑responsible, and less dependent on expensive closed platforms. We will review software licence spending, strengthen security, and increase digital sovereignty — with inspiration from our neighbours in Schleswig‑Holstein, who are already replacing big‑tech tools with open‑source alternatives. Read more
• Systematic review of licence portfolios — where can we replace costly software with proven open‑source solutions?
• Stronger information security and better control of data, including fewer dependencies on proprietary “walled gardens”.
• Digital sovereignty: more openness, standards, and interoperability — so we own our data and can switch vendors without lock‑in.
• Cooperation and knowledge‑sharing with Schleswig‑Holstein, which has already achieved significant savings and flexibility with open source.
Tak for et varmt og engageret landsmøde på Severin.
Jeg har været til EPP-møde hvor også Metsola og Merz deltog.
Vi skal lære af Europa, og få bedre lokal mobilitet.
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Email: 06naarestrup@kd.dk
Phone: 93 80 79 13
Facebook: facebook.com/NiclasAarestrupKD
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