Denmark to merge two regions into eastern megaregion

The Danish government plans to merge the Zealand Region and the Capital Region into a single ‘Eastern Denmark Region’, reducing the number of regions from five to four, as part of a healthcare reform. This new megaregion will cover nearly half of Denmark’s population with 2.741.728 inhabitants. The Moderates had advocated for abolishing regions, while the Social Democrats and Venstre wanted to maintain them for democratic governance of healthcare. Additionally, the reform will establish 17 health councils to ensure collaboration across different government levels. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted reform goals of improving care for chronic diseases and redistributing doctors to areas with the most need. The reshaping of regions has been contentious, with heated debates and criticism, particularly towards the Zealand Region for its failure to attract young doctors.