Feb 16 • 14:59 UTC 🇩🇰 Denmark Politiken

Former V-mayor wanted to increase development aid. Now he is running for election on the opposite platform

Christian Friis Bach, a former proponent of increased development aid, is now campaigning with the V-party to reduce aid funding in favor of domestic welfare.

Christian Friis Bach has had a long career as a radical politician in Denmark, advocating for higher levels of development aid. His past proposals have included raising aid to at least 1% of the gross national income, showcasing his commitment to international assistance. Throughout his career, he has held significant positions such as Secretary General for Danish Refugee Council, Deputy Secretary-General for the UN, and Minister for Development, underlining his experience in humanitarian work.

In a surprising shift, Christian Friis Bach has transitioned to the Venstre party, where he now serves as the spokesperson for development. This move represents a significant ideological shift from his previous stance, as the party, led by Troels Lund Poulsen, announced a controversial plan to decrease development aid from 0.7% to 0.5% of the gross national income. This reduction is justified by the need to redirect 6.5 billion kroner towards domestic welfare and security initiatives, which are high on the government's agenda.

This political pivot raises important questions about the changing priorities within Danish politics and the implications for international aid. Bach’s transformation from a proponent of development assistance to a supporter of its reduction may resonate negatively among his former supporters while aligning him with a growing trend in domestic political discourse that emphasizes national welfare over international commitments. The outcome of his campaign will be pivotal, not just for his political career but also for the future of Denmark's development aid policy.

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