Today’s news / Minister seeks claws-back on cleared debt for recidivists
Criminal gang members can today have their debt to the public cleared when they participate in an exit program. (Archive photo). Photo: Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix

Minister seeks claws-back on cleared debt for recidivists

Danish tax minister Rasmus Stoklund seeks to amend reformed legislation so that criminal debt forgiveness by the state can be revoked if the individual reoffends. Previously, debt could be wiped out for ex-gang members through an exit program, based on positive evaluations from authorities such as police and municipalities. However, there were no consequences if the person relapsed into criminal behavior. Stoklund’s proposal requires ex-criminals to avoid serious offenses for five years to qualify for debt forgiveness and is set to discuss this with parliamentary parties. The initiative is a response to instances of significant debt forgiveness, including a case where a gang member had a substantial debt erased while incarcerated. In 2023, debt relief was granted to five individuals in an exit program and overall, 322 debts were forgiven for ordinary citizens.