Svend Auken, a former minister, has spoken out against Altinget's coverage of the costs associated with political lunches, suggesting that it promotes a narrative of suspicion regarding the intentions of elected officials. He draws a parallel to a past scandal in the UK Parliament, where members were criticized for charging high fees for asking questions, emphasizing Denmark's historically low levels of corruption and high accessibility to elected officials as a contrast to other systems where such corruption is more commonly reported.

Auken highlights the unique political culture in Denmark, which is characterized by transparency and openness concerning the flow of money to parties and politicians. He argues that while the system is designed to be accountable, the media's choice of language and tone, particularly regarding financial matters, creates an atmosphere of mistrust among the public. This misinformation can overshadow the genuine intentions of public servants and the values of openness in Danish politics.

The implications of such reporting can affect the relationship between politicians and the electorate, potentially leading to reduced public confidence in democratic institutions. Auken's comments are a reminder of the fine balance that media must maintain between necessary scrutiny and the risk of fostering public cynicism about elected officials, which can have far-reaching consequences for democratic engagement and governance in Denmark.