Morten Bødskov (born 1 May 1970) is a Danish Social Democratic politician, and member of the Folketing, currently serving as the Minister for Business since 2022. He previously served as Minister of Defence from February to December 2022[1] and Minister for Taxation under Frederiksen and Minister of Justice in the Government of Helle Thorning-Schmidt.

Morten Bødskov
Bødskov in 2022
Minister for Business
Assumed office
15 December 2022
Prime MinisterMette Frederiksen
Preceded bySimon Kollerup
Minister of Defence
In office
4 February 2022 – 15 December 2022
Prime MinisterMette Frederiksen
Preceded byTrine Bramsen
Succeeded byJakob Ellemann-Jensen
Minister of Taxation
In office
27 June 2019 – 4 February 2022
Prime MinisterMette Frederiksen
Preceded byKarsten Lauritzen
Succeeded byJeppe Bruus
Minister of Justice
In office
3 October 2011 – 11 December 2013
Prime MinisterHelle Thorning-Schmidt
Preceded byLars Barfoed
Succeeded byKaren Hækkerup
Member of the Folketing
Assumed office
20 November 2001
ConstituencyGreater Copenhagen (2007-)
Copenhagen (2001-2007)
Personal details
Born (1970-05-01) 1 May 1970 (age 54)
Karup, Denmark
Political partySocial Democrats
Spouse
Anna Elisabeth Bødskov
(m. 2005)

Political career

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Early beginnings

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Bødskov with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on 1 September 2022

At age 15 Bødskov joined the Social Democratic Youth of Denmark (DSU), where he quickly assumed numerous positions of trust. In 1996, he took over as federal president of the DSU from Henrik Sass Larsen. In 2001, he was elected to the Folketing and in 2005 Helle Thorning-Schmidt appointed him as deputy chairman of the parliamentary group.[2]

Career in government

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From 3 October 2011 to 11 December 2013, Bødskov served as Minister of Justice. As Minister of Justice, Bødskov was among those who spearheaded austerity measures, new restrictions on air guns, a new Probation system and the creation of 200 new prison spots,[3] an increased focus on gang and biker-related crime,[4][5] and the highly controversial amendment to the Public Records Act.[6]

On 27 June 2019, Bødskov became the Minister of Taxation in the Frederiksen Cabinet.[7] In a February 2022 cabinet reshuffle, he was transferred to the role of Minister of Defence.[8]

Other activities

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Personal life

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Bødskov has been married to Anna Elisabeth Bødskov since 2005.[12]

References

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  1. ^ Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Nikolaj Skydsgaard (15 December 2022), Danish PM picks right-leaning rivals as key ministers in new government Reuters.
  2. ^ Merian Garde Gräs (3 October 2011). "Morten Bødskov - den eftertænksomme midtjyde". DR.
  3. ^ "Bødskov forbyder kraftige luftgeværer". Dagbladet Information. 25 April 2012.
  4. ^ Rune Weitling (21 March 2012). "Justitsministeren vil øge presset på byens rockerbander". Lokalavisen.dk.
  5. ^ "Sådan ser aftalen for Kriminalforsorgen ud". Berlingske. 7 November 2012.
  6. ^ Kennth Lund (4 June 2013). "Folketinget har vedtaget omstridt offentlighedslov". Politiken.
  7. ^ Deleuran Müller, Thea (27 June 2019). "Danmarks nye regering er nu på plads: Se hele Mette Frederiksens ministerhold her". dr.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  8. ^ W, Christian (4 February 2022). "Ministerial musical chairs: PM presents latest reshuffle". The Copenhagen Post. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  9. ^ Board of Governors European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
  10. ^ Board of Governors European Investment Bank (EIB).
  11. ^ Board of Governors Nordic Investment Bank (NIB).
  12. ^ "Minister scorer fradrag fra FN-ansat kone". TV 2 Nyhederne. 9 November 2011.
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Political offices
Preceded by Minister of Justice
2011–2013
Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Taxation
2019–2022
Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister of Defence
2022–
Succeeded by
Incumbent