Push to allow dual mandates continues

Despite a rejection by members to allow dual mandates, the Social Democratic leadership is not giving up. Marie Stærke, deputy chair and Køge’s mayor, plans to revisit the permission for dual mandates in four years. A 55-year-old ban was challenged at the Social Democratic congress, prohibiting members like MPs from holding local council or regional council seats, aiming to attract prominent figures for elections. The needed two-thirds majority was not met, with 253 for and 225 against. However, it was approved for Social Democrats to hold seats in both a city council and a regional council, which Stærke sees as a huge step. Opponents argue such dual roles are too time-consuming. Stærke counters that the proposal included no compulsion for dual mandates, allowing flexibility. The Social Democratic congress occurs every four years, with annual meetings in between.