Today’s news / Government’s savings plan cuts NGO funding
Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen (S) attended a gala dinner on Tuesday, where King Frederik and Queen Mary were hosts for the President of Iceland. Wammen rejects criticism of the government's austerity plan in the public administration. Photo: Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix

Government’s savings plan cuts NGO funding

The Danish government plans a reduction of 1000 full-time positions in state administration by 2025, impacting funding for research and organizations. Groups like Cabi, The Danish Council for the Elderly, and the Centre for Substance Abuse Research at Aarhus University will be affected. Criticism arises from recipients and directors like Mette Rønnau of Cabi, a non-profit aiding vulnerable citizens with employment. Rønnau expresses shock and confusion at being targeted, as Cabi isn’t a state department but relies on a grant, which is scheduled for cancellation by the year’s end. Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen had previously justified the cuts, emphasizing the need to reduce bureaucracy in government, mirroring expectations placed on municipalities and regions. Although Wammen did not interview, he indicated in writing the government’s commitment to limiting unnecessary administration.