Troels Lund Poulsen, chairman of the Liberal Party, has proposed a significant reduction in Denmark's development aid from 0.7% to 0.5% of the gross national income (GNI) as part of efforts to free up approximately 6.5 billion kroner. In an interview, he emphasized the need for this reallocation, arguing that the current economic circumstances necessitate a reevaluation of the country's financial commitments to development aid in favor of increased investments in welfare. Lund Poulsen indicated that demographic changes and security expenditures are influential factors in this proposed shift.

Despite the proposed cuts, Lund Poulsen assured that there would be no reductions in aid directed towards Ukraine, highlighting the importance of maintaining support for bilateral partnerships and multilateral organizations. He elaborated on the plan to prioritize different aspects of development aid, suggesting that the savings could be diverted towards welfare and security enhancements. The proposal has sparked intense debate, particularly from opposition figures like Lars Løkke, who criticize the potential impacts on international development efforts and the moral obligations that accompany such aid.

As the discussion unfolds, this proposal places Denmark’s foreign aid strategy under scrutiny, reflecting broader tensions between domestic welfare spending and international commitments. The backlash can be expected to shape the political landscape, testing the government's resolve on development priorities while addressing issues of budgetary constraints and public welfare needs.