The article, written by Elisabet Svane for Politiken, examines the dilemma faced by the Danish government's leaders regarding the removal of the Great Prayer Day holiday, initially outlined in a governmental agreement from December 2022. The piece assumes a thought experiment where it questions whether Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and other key ministers would make the same decision today, noting that the removal of a public holiday is a highly sensitive issue that affects the electorate's perception of the government. The author suggests that if such a decision had to be made today, it would likely not receive the same level of acceptance as before.

As the article indicates, the removal of the Great Prayer Day has been a significant source of discontent among voters, who feel deceived due to the absence of this topic in the political campaign preceding the government's formation. Even though compensatory measures were announced, the emotional value of a holiday cannot be replaced, leading to the conclusion that the government underestimated the public's attachment to traditional observances. The overall discontent reflects broader issues of trust and transparency in politics, emphasizing the importance of considering the electorate's sentiments.

Ultimately, Svane's commentary illustrates how political decisions can have lasting implications, not only affecting public perception of the ruling party but also potentially influencing electoral outcomes in future elections. The piece serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between governance and the cultural significance of holidays, urging political actors to be more mindful of their decisions and the narratives they construct surrounding them.