Heunicke rejects call for independent inquiry on pollution case

Magnus Heunicke, Danish Environment Minister, rejects requests from six political parties for an independent investigation into the ministry’s actions surrounding a pollution case. Critics contend the ministry allowed harmful discharges, favoring business over environmental protection, particularly in the case of Cheminova. Heunicke prefers to await the Environmental Agency’s review before considering further action. The ministry and agency deny legal breaches and biased policy-making for Cheminova. Nevertheless, experts allege regulations were adjusted after establishing Cheminova’s pollution levels, enabling them to legally contaminate the North Sea. Heunicke, appointed after this process, points to the agency and possibly his predecessor for accountability. SF’s Marianne Bigum demands a comprehensive independent probe to clarify ministerial responsibility, emphasizing adherence to the EU’s directive against additional contamination of polluted waters. Heunicke is set to discuss the matter in a parliamentary session on May 28.