Ministers condemn farmer’s gallows joke

A joke made by farmer Holger Iversen at Bæredygtigt Landbrug’s assembly about building a gallows and hanging the messenger has sparked criticism among Danish ministers and parliament members. Michael Svarer from Aarhus University, who is chairing an expert group on how to levy a CO2 tax on agriculture, had been subjected to what he termed ‘unusual personal attacks’ following his presentation. Iversen said his comment about hanging Svarer was meant as a joke and did not express regret, but the chairman of Bæredygtigt Landbrug, Peter Kiær, distanced the organization from the remarks. Top ministers such as Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen and Venstre’s economic minister and deputy head Stephanie Lose publicly denounced the rhetoric as unacceptable. The issue revolves around expert group proposals for a CO2 tax on agriculture, which Iversen criticizes for their uncertainty and potential impact on farming businesses like his own.