Denmark’s new government wants to sacrifice a national holiday to free up more money for the country’s defence. It concerns the Storebededag (Great Day of Prayer), which has existed since 1686.
The cult day of the shop falls every year on the fourth Friday after Easter. There are no special traditions associated with it. However, Danish churches often use it to hold ceremonies for the acceptance of a church office or for the baptism of a child.
The churches are therefore reacting angrily to the plan. Social Democratic Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen does not want to budge. He points to the war in Ukraine and believes that sacrifices should also be made in Denmark.
In Denmark, for the first time in more than forty years, a large center government is in power, with liberal and moderate politicians. Under Frederiksen’s leadership, taxes are to be reduced in the coming years.
Extra day when people go to the office
Danes currently pay a lot of taxes compared to other countries. If that percentage drops, Danes will be more inclined to work, says the government.
Also, by abolishing Store Day, there will be one full day in the year when people go to the office. With the extra revenues, the country wants to significantly increase defense spending to meet the NATO 2% standard.
Denmark currently has eleven national holidays. It is unclear when Store Day of Worship will be officially abolished.
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