Borgen (2010) s01e10 Episode Script

1 Damn it, you know this.
I had an affair with Yvonne.
It's over, but done is done! You can't just disappear for several days without me knowing where.
I get scared, and I start thinking.
And then I thought that perhaps you were with another woman.
I was.
Birgitte Nyborg, yesterday a press release from Via Electronics said that your husband Phillip Christensen is resigning as CEO.
You can't do this! It's about the fact that my husband can't profit economically from my policies.
As long as he's married to me, anyway.
Who the fuck do you think you are? Go clear your desk and go on vacation, and I will call you.
You can spend your vacation pondering if you want to be on this team! Why won't you talk to me? Because we don't talk, Birgitte.
That's something we used to do.
"A prince always has legitimate reason not to keep his promises.
" It will be a prime minister under pressure opening the Parliament on the first Tuesday of October.
In a new poll from Gallup, the Moderates stand to lose five seats.
The Green Party would lose two seats, whereas the Worker's Party gains five seats.
This means that the government, despite the gains from the Worker's Party, would lose its majority, if elections were held today.
With me is former chairman of the Worker's Party and current editor-in-chief at Ekspres, Michael Laugesen.
- Good morning, Michael.
- Good morning.
In your editorial today, you write under the headline "Lost," that Birgitte Nyborg should resign as prime minister.
That's correct.
Nyborg has lost focus.
She's gotten lost in single issues.
She's lost the big perspective.
And that is a fatal error to commit as prime minister.
You've also graded the different ministers, and to start at the bottom, you are quite harsh with Finance Minister Bent Sejrø, who gets a three out of ten.
Birgitte Nyborg narrowly gets a five.
You seem like a very tough critic.
I've just given the grade the people would give.
- Could you elaborate? - What does she actually want with Denmark? You could start with that question.
Look, I don't think she has any idea what to do with Denmark.
You must eat something, Birgitte.
You can't live on coffee and newspapers.
This is nice and home-baked for you from my wife.
I'm so lucky.
Since there is nothing here.
How are you feeling? You mean besides the polls and the negative press? Yeah, government has its price, but it's always been like that.
- And look who profits from it.
- The Worker's Party.
Precisely.
So prepare for the Worker's Party putting the screws on you in the coming days.
What's your advice? Give them a little of what they want.
But not everything.
How are things at home? I don't know.
Or it's not well.
The last three weeks we've just avoided each other.
We take turns sleeping at home and being with the kids.
And we tell them the other one is at work and will be home soon.
And then we smile.
And where is Phillip? Yes, that's a good question.
I think he's seeing somebody.
Well, it doesn't matter.
Trust me.
I know it seems hurtful right now, but in the greater scheme of things it doesn't have to be over.
My husband is with another woman, Bent.
Listen, I don't know of a single happy marriage at Borgen.
- And do you know why? - Hmm.
We are skilled at compromising on the job, but terrible at it in private.
It's hard to compromise, when you're not even talking.
Then go home and talk to him.
I mean, you might as well.
You can't focus on the job anyway.
Arrange yourselves based on your current possibilities.
You can't be happy all the time, but you can arrange yourselves.
Arrange yourselves! And eat that bun.
FIRST TUESDAY IN OCTOBER will light our country and all who serve it.
And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
Let us make common cause on the freedom of the individual and be free to free enough to dare to fight for the common good.
Let us create a Denmark where everyone is free to seek out their own happiness but also have a duty to the community.
- Why are you here? - I didn't want to disturb you.
- How long have you been here? - Not long, I just came to pick up some of this week's slack.
- It's usually quiet here on Sundays.
- Right.
- What do you think? - About what? The speech.
Since you've been eavesdropping, I'd like your opinion.
- It's not my area.
- Stop it, Sanne.
I want to know.
Well then perhaps you should use another word than "duty.
" That sounds like something you don't like.
- Duty? - You said "duty to the community.
" - The common good sounds bad.
- No.
"Duty" is a word that inspires participation.
Okay.
- I don't know much about it.
- I shouldn't have asked.
My mistake.
- Could you close the door on your way out? - Sure.
Thanks.
Ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
You're looking desperate, Juul.
Problems with the opening speech? Or have you become punch drunk, working on a Sunday, like the rest of us? By the way, Kasper.
That fat, little Leif Richter from Celebrities and Royalty has been hiding in a bush by Marienborg and posits that the prime minister has slept alone the past few weeks.
Is it true? It sure must be tough on the personal life being prime minister.
Especially when you've had to remove your own husband from a CEO position.
He's barking up the wrong tree.
Is he really? You owe me one, Kasper.
Dogs! That's fine, Bjørn.
Bye.
- Hi.
- Hi.
I think it would be wise to promote the cooperation with the Worker's Party in the opening speech, Kasper.
- Was that Marrot? - Yes.
Have they gotten delusions of grandeur after the latest polls? Mm-hmm.
Um, Birgitte.
There is a tiny rumor going around that you sleep alone at Marienborg.
Should we discuss this? No.
We just don't want a negative personal story before the opening of Parliament.
Aren't you going home for a bath? - Have a nice Sunday.
- You too.
- I didn't know you were home.
- I wasn't.
I thought we could talk.
- Yes.
- We need to find a more durable solution to our family life.
Birgitte, I didn't know you would be here, so I'd like to take a bath.
- Yes, of course.
- Yeah.
- We'll talk after, right? - Yes, okay.
Where were you? Okay.
- Who is she? - Birgitte.
Don't.
- Why can't I know who your girlfriend is? - She's not my girlfriend.
- Who is she? - You don't know her, damn it! Her name is Sascha.
She's from the agency - that found the job for me.
- So it's your headhunter? Yes.
- So you had to compensate for quitting? - I didn't quit.
- You quit for me.
- And you slept with her.
- And you're still meeting - Yes! - You came straight from her place! - Yes, I did! You are having an affair! I'm sorry, I can't do it.
I can't talk like this.
You stink of her! You come home to our house - Birgitte.
- smelling of another woman! Hello.
Where have you been? At Rhodes.
- The retirees' club? - Open it.
- Why don't you have a tan? - I remembered I hate to lie on beaches, so I was mostly in my room watching the news.
Did you see they are using Simon as anchor? Yes, why? Because I was fired.
After interviewing the prime minister, where I broke the agreement.
Technically I'm on vacation, but I don't think he wants me back.
Goddamn it.
I decided that perhaps it's a good thing.
We disagreed more and more editorially.
He sucks up to the bosses and only cares about ratings, and I just feel like I should be digging deeper.
- No.
- Only just turned 30.
And you already want to dictate the editorial line at the biggest TV station in the country.
If I'm not idealistic now, then when? Oh, right, I don't expect you to understand.
And what does that mean? Give me a break.
Idealist? That's never been you.
You always say that you can sell any political message, no matter the political party.
Is that a lie? People do change.
- Sure thing.
Cheers to that.
- Cheers.
Welcome home.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Did you read my draft of the speech? - Yes.
It needs another go.
- What do you think? - I agree, I'm afraid.
It sounds too much like any other prime minister.
- Right.
Kasper, we need to talk.
Sit down.
- I'd like to Sure.
All right.
Since I had to ask Phillip to leave his job, we've been having problems.
And I've spent a lot of time at Marienborg.
I see.
Yes.
I don't really know where we are headed right now, but I'd like for it to be kept secret for now.
Of course.
But we might need to address the rumors you mentioned.
Yes.
Um we've had a longstanding request from TV1.
They want an interview with you.
- Professionally and personally.
- No, Kasper, we've been through that.
- I won't.
- And I understand, but try to rethink the situation.
If you and Phillip could appear happy and well-balanced together, we'd be able to dispel any hint of marital problems.
- You're asking us to pretend.
- It's a good look if people get to see you two together.
Naturally, we need a skilled and competent journalist to do the interview, that goes without saying.
- Who did you have in mind? - Katrine Fønsmark.
Who has broken agreements and best practices for journalism several times? Isn't that how we want journalists? Yes, when I'm minister of the press and award the Cavling Prize for investigative journalism.
This is different.
She can create the personal space where you do best.
And that is your big strength, Birgitte.
This is our opportunity to control everything that comes out.
And this could potentially make up for the polls the last few days.
Hey, Torben.
It's Kasper Juul.
Listen, I've got a present for you.
If you and I can agree that portrait of the prime minister.
Are you in love with her? No.
No, of course not.
I miss you.
But I can't find you.
When I find you I can't always recognize you.
I know you've paid and are still paying a really big price.
But I don't know what to do different right now.
I can't create more time.
- I can't be home more.
- I'm not accusing you of not being home.
I'm accusing you of not being here when you are.
- That's your version.
- Yes.
Maybe I feel differently.
But the fact is that we are both missing something.
Yes.
I don't want to lose you.
I have a suggestion.
You and I stay together and get through this.
I'll move home.
You're my husband publicly but I'll have to accept that you seek out some kind of intimacy on the side.
I'm about to open Parliament and fight for a finance bill with a government in dissolution.
Birgitte.
Are you serious? Yes, I am.
And I want to ask you for two things.
First of all, be discreet with what you do on the side.
And I'd like to ask you to agree to an interview with TV1, where we end press speculations regarding our personal lives.
All right, Laura.
Find your jacket, we are going.
Magnus! I don't want to.
What? - I won't go.
- We don't have time for that.
Come on.
No! I don't want to! I'll drive him.
Just go.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
See you, have a nice day! - Bye! - Bye! Bye! Find your bag, honey.
We leave in five minutes.
- I don't want to go to school! - But you have to, honey.
I won't go! Oh, honey There, there.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Hello there, Magnus.
- Hi! - Hi.
Magnus is gonna be with me at work today.
- You know, there's a camera crew, right? - Yes.
And you're not afraid of a mess with - Hello.
- Hi! I'm so glad you're here, Magnus, I have a dire need for your help.
- Aren't you really good at stapling? - Yes.
I'm sorry it's taking so long to get another secretary, but I think Sanne will be moved soon.
I see no need to hurry.
- I think she's warm and good with kids.
- Quite so.
But perhaps that's not quite what we look for here.
Um, do you think it's appropriate for them to film your son being with you at work? - They won't.
- Oh, okay.
That's good.
Are the segments ready for 8:30 p.
m.
? They are working on the first two.
And 6:30 p.
m.
? - Three segments are ready - Hello, Katrine! - Hi.
- Come closer, don't hide.
Hello.
- Right.
- Yes.
Ms.
Fønsmark and I have had a little sensitive, personal talk about journalism and especially the chain of command here, and we've actually decided there's room for one more dance.
- That's wonderful.
- Yes, great.
- So you're back.
- Welcome back.
Katrine has gotten a very specific task that I'd like to brief you all on now.
The portrait of the prime minister, we've been trying to get since Nyborg took office, it has finally been approved.
The prime minister said yes? - Yes.
- Seeing her privately and at the office? Exactly.
We are starting this afternoon already.
And I've decided that Katrine gets this assignment.
- Congratulations, Katrine.
- Wait, let me get this straight.
I've been attached as interviewer on that portrait since day one.
Right? - We'll talk later.
- No, we'll talk now, Torben.
I contacted the prime minister's office one week after Nyborg took office.
Finally, one year later, a green light is given, and Katrine gets it? I can tell you that the boss and I completely agree - that Katrine should do the interview - Why is that? Because, Ulrik, she has a very special ability to create the intimate space in the personal conversation.
That's why.
- "The intimate space"? - Yes.
Listen, perhaps do this without me.
- We don't have to.
- I just need to know, does this mean Katrine is back as evening anchor? I hope so.
And I can tell you, Simon, that I never said you were anything but a stand-in.
And this is not because Katrine's ex is the prime minister's chief of press? - Stop.
Everyone's been briefed.
- Torben.
We are going to talk about this.
Goddamn it.
I want to date the prime minister's spin doctor in my next life.
Right, the princess is back.
- Welcome back, Katrine.
- Thanks, Pia.
Mm-hmm.
Yes.
Fine.
We'll talk later.
Bye.
Kasper The TV1 interview.
I don't think we can do it after all.
- What? They are here in four hours.
- I know.
But my family is at the breaking point.
Laura is silent.
Magnus cries and won't go to school.
It's just Okay.
What if we get a chance to review the material? And edit it.
Edit material we've given to the news? - That's never happened before.
- Birgitte, we can't afford you being dragged through the tabloid mud with your personal life.
Least of all now.
See what you can do.
This is coming from you.
 It's your idea.
You have four hours.
Oh, boy, Torben.
I'm sorry, but we have to cancel the interview.
That's funny.
You're kidding, right? I'm sorry.
You can't do that.
I have two crews filming every day for a week.
I just rehired a young pain-in-the-ass journalist, - because you specifically asked for her.
- Like I said, I'm sorry.
But you've been overbid.
- By who? - Channel 2 will give us editing rights.
Excuse me.
That's a goddamn lie.
- I'll ask them.
- Be my guest.
But I doubt they'd ever admit it officially.
- Look, that is unheard of.
- Yes.
It's a violation of all the fundamental rules of journalism.
Torben, we agree completely.
But if you look at it from our side, it's practical.
And I know you, I've worked here.
And I knew you'd never agree to it.
- You bet I won't.
- And I accept that completely, even though it's only for the personal interview.
- The personal part? - Yes, at home with the prime minister.
Out of consideration for her kids and husband.
Birgitte is a very caring woman.
- That's what so interesting.
- That's what I'm saying.
I understand your position completely! And that's why Channel 2 gets the story.
I'm sorry to have wasted your time.
Hey, hey, Kasper! Kasper.
Come back here.
Close the door.
If you get what you want I get total autonomy in the prime minister's office.
No interference from you.
I need that in writing.
Fine, you'll get it in writing.
Thanks for the coffee.
Let me start by saying that the opening speech you've read is of course still only a draft.
I still feel it lacks environmental ambition.
I don't agree, Amir.
We are still aiming at increased tax on carbon emissions and 20% growth in green energy over the next ten years.
This is of course a compromise compared to the Green Party's proposal, but that's the reality in a government like ours.
Does anybody have anything? - Yes.
- I'd like to discuss the polls.
The polls are not on the agenda, Pernille.
No, but we could discuss them later? - Yes, of course.
- Yes.
I'd appreciate if you honored agreements when journalists are present, Pernille.
I know, but Bjørn told me he'd already tried to talk to you yesterday regarding the polls.
- And that you didn't get far.
- No, I had other business.
The Worker's Party is now undoubtedly biggest in the country.
Yes.
This must be reflected in the division of ministries.
What do you want, Bjørn? Well, we'll find it reasonable if we get The Ministry of Finance.
Bent Sejrø is Minister of Finance.
But since it came out he had a relationship with Yvonne Kjær, - we don't feel that we can trust him.
- You can't be serious.
It's old gossip only renewed by Laugesen's book.
Was that relationship the reason why we passed the finance bill with New Right? No, that was political skill on my part.
Bent is the minister doing most poorly in the public's opinion.
He guards the money and says no.
Show me one popular minister of finance.
The minister of finance is here.
Tell him to wait a minute.
We will be finished soon.
Bent is an old man, after all.
We can't overlook that you've got both prime minister and the treasury.
It is only fair to split them between the two biggest government parties.
We are not making demands.
We are informing the prime minister, and she makes the proper decision.
- Thank you, Birgitte.
- Thank you.
That's fine.
I'll make sure of it.
Yes, I'll handle that.
Good.
Right, bye.
Sanne.
Let's see if the last time was a lucky punch or if you really have a talent for theatrics.
That will have to be later.
Magnus and I are busy right now.
- Really? - I'm serious.
I can't take care of both Magnus, my own job and now yours too.
All right, then let's meet tonight.
And we'll go through the speech there.
And I'll bring sushi.
Tonight? - It's a date.
- Okay.
Hi.
We are done now Is the prime minister's son with her at work? - He sure is.
- Does that happen often? Thanks for now.
It's been swell.
- Can I get two minutes with him? - No.
And no, this is not an attempt to control the free press.
Just be glad you got the interview.
Word on the street is you got me my job back.
You would never do that, right? - No.
- Thank you.
See you.
Did you know that Kennedy's speechwriter actually was of Danish heritage? Hell yes.
Ted Sørensen.
His mom and dad traveled from Denmark to the USA, so their son got the chance to write the speeches that changed the world.
What's fantastic about Kennedy's inaugural speech is that it has both pathos and simultaneously creates a feeling of close kinship with the president.
Well you'll just have to write something similar.
Don't ask what Birgitte Nyborg can do for you Because she doesn't want to hear you.
So do it yourself.
Sanne, I can't just copy the text.
I could perhaps copy the structure.
It's built sort of like a three-stage rocket.
How so? Kennedy starts a sentence with "ask not" three times.
It creates rhythm.
The rhythm brings us down into our body.
A politician must never speak only to the mind.
But also to the gut.
And to the heart.
That is where the words stick.
Oh.
Good evening.
I didn't know there was anyone here.
The light in the front office has been out for a while.
Right, but Birgitte needs the new draft of the speech by tomorrow.
- And - I was helping.
- Right.
- But I was headed home.
Thank you for helping.
Well, then get home safe.
Thank you.
I expect you to clean up after yourself, Kasper.
I don't like having bawling little secretaries running around the ministry.
Of course.
Good.
I'm excited to hear your speech.
Can you be both prime minister and a housewife who bakes buns and mows the lawn? No, I can't.
I don't bake or take care of the garden.
Phillip runs the shop at home.
My job is at the ministry.
And besides, I'm terrible at baking, so everybody wins.
Being prime minister is a special job that requires more of the family.
But fortunately, we all agree on that.
Was that division of labor agreed upon before the election result, or did you figure it out on the way? Nothing was agreed upon before the election result, I can assure you, nothing was prepared.
Um I think the most important thing is to have the right husband.
And that's what I have.
Otherwise, nothing can work.
That places great demands on the right husband.
Um where do you find all that energy? Uh, well, I mean Having energy for the ones you love, I feel like it comes pretty naturally.
Yes.
Did you have an ice skating competition tomorrow, Laura? Yes, I'm going with Mathilde.
- Do you want me to drive you? - You don't have to.
- Can I be excused? I'm done eating.
- Mm-hmm.
- Thanks for dinner.
- You are welcome.
Thanks for dinner.
You're welcome.
I've also got that meeting.
Right.
Thank you for today.
I think it went really well with that interview.
I assume that you'll be back before the kids wake up.
Of course.
Bye.
- Hi, Kasper.
- Birgitte, sorry to disturb.
It's okay.
I just agreed with the news chief that I'll come and watch the interview tomorrow.
Katrine won't know.
She doesn't come in until later.
If we make any changes, the story will be - that the news chief asked for them.
- Okay.
I don't feel good about it.
It's not something we normally do.
Kasper, it was your suggestion, and I wouldn't have agreed otherwise.
- No, but - There's nothing to discuss.
Listen, find your inner cynic or consider it an order if that's easier.
All right? - Bye.
- Goodbye.
Laura, are you sitting there? Where did Dad go? He had a meeting.
What meeting? I don't know.
Just a meeting.
What are they meeting about? - It's just a meeting, Laura.
- What meeting? Just a meeting, Laura! I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I think I'm a little tired.
- I'm sorry.
- What's happening with you and Dad, Mom? I don't know.
It's a little difficult right now.
We we make each other very sad.
But we are fighting to stay together.
We'll figure it out.
We'll figure it out.
That places great demands on the right husband.
Um where do you find all that energy? Having energy for the ones you love, I feel like it comes pretty naturally.
We end there.
What about the clip where Phillip talks about Birgitte's dedication? - Which one? - There was a clip There are some here.
Continue.
Continue.
That one.
Let's listen.
Which word best describes your wife Birgitte? Dedicated.
I think Birgitte is one of the most dedicated persons I've ever met.
And I think that's because she just can't help fighting for what she believes in.
Didn't you just ask to have that cut because he looked lost in the middle? Try making a a cut with Birgitte and the kids between those two statements.
We have one where she does homework with the kids.
Ulrik, didn't you read the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door? Have we got a new man on the team? - Where's Katrine? - Ulrik, we are working.
Could you please? Hi, Katrine.
It's Ulrik.
I just saw something you should know.
It will look like this.
Dedicated.
I think Birgitte is one of the most dedicated persons I've ever met.
And I think that's because she just can't help fighting for what she believes in.
Sanne, I said no disturbances.
Birgitte.
Hi.
I didn't sleep at Sascha's last night.
- I don't need to know where you sleep.
- No.
I'm just saying I didn't sleep at all.
I've been sitting in the car all night and been thinking about yesterday.
Do you remember when we saw Lars Hesselboe and his wife on TV - right after the last election? - Yes.
That we would never be like that and That's a year ago, Birgitte.
- One year.
- Phillip.
- Phillip, give it some time.
- No.
No, listen to me now.
Okay.
The most wonderful thing that's happened in my life is what you and I had together.
You and I.
But in the interview we did yesterday we were turning all that into a parody.
And we are good at it.
We could damn it, we could lie while smiling.
But I won't, Birgitte, and I can't.
What do you want then? I want a divorce.
As quickly as possible.
This can't be what we remember.
One moment.
Goddamn.
Birgitte.
- Hi, Kasper, we have a problem.
- Yes.
I'm getting divorced.
And it is certain and irrevocable? Yes.
Regarding the interview Don't worry, I'll handle it.
Thank you.
Dedicated.
I think Birgitte is one of the most dedicated I'm sorry, but it's not going to work out.
What do you mean? You can't broadcast it.
But we edited it to please you.
Yes, but now there is a new development that I can't disclose.
I want you to erase all footage from the prime minister's home.
No way! We've been working non-stop for this.
It's already far out that Katrine isn't here.
You can't do this! There is nothing to discuss.
Torben Friis signed a paper giving us complete veto on everything taped in the prime minister's home.
- So, how's it going? - Torben.
I assume you cleared this with your people? What's going on, Torben? I don't know.
What's the issue? Could we talk alone for a minute? Listen, we have to compromise.
Torben, we have a contract.
Yes.
And I assume that Katrine doesn't need to know about this.
Of course, I'll just make it look like it was the boss who made the decision.
Birgitte.
Have you seen Ekspres? They keep writing about my affair with Yvonne.
It's simply ridiculous! I guarantee you, this is pure spin.
Someone is trying to discredit me.
- Who do you think? - I don't know.
Anyone.
Hesselboe.
To bring back Yvonne into his alliance.
By spreading rumors about us being close to her, she'll probably keep her distance.
Or the Worker's Party.
- Why them? - Like you said, they smell victory after the favorable polls.
They want more influence.
Damn it.
Well Screw it.
Just don't listen to nonsense like that.
It's nonsense! Nonsense! How's your wife taking it? She we've arranged ourselves.
What about you? It was unfortunately too late.
I'm getting divorced.
Oh, my.
Can I do anything? Katrine, we need to talk "The award is given for the series' uncompromising, provoking picture of the dark side of the Danish justice system.
Told with a deep respect for the highest virtues of journalism, political autonomy and non-partisanship.
" Do you recognize it? It's the Cavling committee's reason from 1998, back when you won it.
- Thanks for that subtle point.
- How could you! If we hadn't agreed to it, Channel 2 would have done it.
Idealism is great, but we must follow progress.
Torben, you let the prime minister's spin doctor edit a news segment! That's the fucking opposite of progress! We are the biggest station in the country, okay? There are many agendas here every day.
I have to assess grants, the new political agreement on media.
- There are a thousand things.
- No, there's one thing! It's so easy to be an idealist without responsibility! You have a responsibility that you severely failed! In other countries, journalists die defending a free press.
You just piss on it! You let yourself be gagged voluntarily, and I won't be a part of it.
I'll mail you my resignation.
I'm sorry about you and Phillip, and if there's anything I can do, - let me know.
- Thank you.
We'll keep it secret for now.
The kids won't be told until Tuesday after the opening of Parliament.
And, Kasper, when we go public, I don't want a big media show, keep it short and unsentimental.
Of course, but it goes without saying that the more we downplay this, the less sympathy you'll reap.
Well, you can't have it all, right? Which leads me to the speech, Kasper.
It's really great work, but this has to be a speech that aims higher.
Fine.
Then what do you want? Huh? Why should I keep voting for you? Do you just want to stay in power? We've accomplished a hell of a lot this first year.
- We are changing Denmark.
- What do you want? I want to tell the Danes they are better than they think.
They've just forgotten it.
Because everyone has the right to a new car, a great kitchen, a loving family, a mistress and a boat.
We've long been living in a world where everyone at any point could pursue their own personal happiness.
And we've felt unfairly treated if we didn't get it.
Perhaps it's time to realize you can't have it all.
Just don't make it a lecture.
It's positive to be a part of a community.
Well, the Danish people have proven that many times.
That they are ready for the hard choice, when the chips are down, ready to sacrifice.
We've just forgotten it.
We only sing it in church when somebody has died.
"Fight for all that you hold dear.
" That's got something.
I've got it now.
I promise you will like it.
I'm going to the Mirror Room to write, so please don't disturb me.
Just say I'm in a meeting.
Kasper, perhaps you and I should talk.
About yesterday.
Yes.
Yes, of course.
Listen, I I think it was fantastic to go through the speech with you.
And it was nice to to I I would normally ask you out on a date now.
- And hope to pick up where we left - It's fine.
Okay.
You can't have everything.
No.
Birgitte.
You've probably read that the press keeps writing about Sejrø and Yvonne.
I wonder who has an interest in that.
When a relationship at Borgen weakens the government, - it is in the public's interest to know.
- Stop it.
It concerns an old, private and finished affair.
You make it sound like high treason.
I refuse to discuss it like this.
But you won't refuse to discuss a more fair division - of the most powerful ministries? - Right.
Because I'm afraid our party insists on it.
- And the Green Party supports it.
- The Green Party? Mm-hmm.
Have you had talks without me? Not talks, but Amir is sympathetic to our view.
I'm opening Parliament on Tuesday.
Preferably with a strong, united government behind me.
I think your method and timing is very peculiar.
The timing is perfect.
We start with a little government reshuffle to trim the team for the new Parliament year.
You want to stay in power, and we want to support you.
Our stock with the voters is better than yours.
That's all.
Thanks for the chat.
Could you sign these before you leave? Yes.
Sanne, could you and I talk later today? Yes.
Niels Erik, um I just had a chat with the Worker's Party.
We should inform the royal court that I will present a new minister during the opening of Parliament.
I'll contact the lord chamberlain right away.
And I need to see the minister of finance before he leaves today.
Could you schedule it? Yes, of course.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The Worker's Party is twisting my arm.
They insist that your affair with Yvonne Kjær has sown mistrust among the government parties.
That's ridiculous.
And they've got Amir on board.
This is pure hysteria.
Do I need to publicly apologize or what? Sorry, I had sex with that woman.
Well, it's got nothing to do with that.
The affair is just leverage for another purpose entirely.
Bent, they want the Ministry of Finance.
You don't have to give it to them.
Right? Birgitte, I'm not finished yet.
I might not be so young anymore, but I I have the experience, and I know the game.
- Politics has been my life.
- Right, and this is politics, Bent.
I need you to resign.
Well then I'll have time to tend to my hydrangeas.
It is the first Tuesday of October, and all political debates these days have been about the opening speech Birgitte Nyborg will give in a minute, when a new year in Parliament begins.
There is also great attention on the cabinet reshuffle the prime minister announced a few days ago.
Bent Sejrø surprisingly chose to resign the powerful seat as minister of finance, which allowed Birgitte Nyborg to solidify her relationship with the Worker's Party by giving them the Ministry of Finance, which will be headed by Pernille Madsen.
The reshuffle sends a strong signal on change and adaptability, which according to analysts shows that Denmark now has a determined and realistic prime minister.
I give the word to the prime minister.
LIVE What holds a nation together? I stood as a young student at Rådhuspladsen in Copenhagen on the 26th of June, 1992.
Denmark had just won the European Championship in soccer.
That night I had no doubt that we were one people.
A people who knew almost all the words to "Der er et yndigt land.
" And we were astounded.
For 140 years, we'd gotten used to being a nation of lighthearted losers who often lost to the Germans.
Suddenly, we were the ones who had beaten them.
For many years now, we've become accustomed to having it all.
And now that we must accustom ourselves to not being so rich anymore, we've become lost, and we worry about things that wouldn't have bothered us at all before.
Do you want to see something? Each one of us with a seat here in Parliament represents 30,000 Danes.
All their hopes for a better future, they have placed with us.
I believe more than anything that we now need to show a responsibility that goes beyond narrow party differences, shortsighted partisan politics and mudslinging.
I believe that we humans need each other.
I believe we belong together as a nation.
I believe that there is more to unite us than divide us.
I deeply believe that we are still the same people who partied together that June night at Rådhuspladsen.
And for those who might have forgotten the lyrics, the last verse says, "Our old Denmark shall endure.
" Let's make sure of that.
Together.
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
- Fantastic speech.
- Thanks, Yvonne.
- Damn, you've never been better.
- Thanks, Amir.
Congratulations, Birgitte.
Excellent.
Lars Hesselboe, as Denmark's prime minister for seven years, how was it seeing someone else give the opening speech? I mostly noticed the usual clichés.
Birgitte, let me completely off the record commend you for an unusually good opening speech.
Thanks, Svend Åge.
I did what was necessary.
That's what a prime minister does.
Kasper.
- A beautiful speech.
- Thank you.
Bye.
Katrine! What's going on? - It was a good speech, Kasper.
- Thank you.
Perhaps one of the best opening speeches ever.
It would be nice if you sounded like you meant it.
I do mean it.
But it never ceases to amaze me how well you keep things apart.
You manage to make your way into the hearts of all Danes and still be incredibly cynical.
I quit my job.
I found out about your deal with Torben Friis.
- I'd like to explain why - Forget it.
You have your secrets, and I have my great naivete, and we won't change.
- Yes, we will.
- No, we won't.
But keep believing it.
What will you do now now that you've quit? There she is.
- Hi, Mom.
Congratulations.
- Hi, honey.
- It was a great speech.
- Congratulations, Mom.
Yes, congratulations.
But we are heading home now.
When are you coming home? - It might be late.
- Come on, kids.
- Bye.
- Bye.
- I'll see you.
- Yes, I'll see you.
Birgitte, may I say something? That was one of the best opening speeches I've heard in my time.
Thanks, Niels Erik.
I must admit, I didn't think you would last a year in the chair, but if you continue like this, I think we'll be working together for several terms.
Oh, by the way, I finally got the necessary grounds to get rid of Sanne.
You don't need to worry, it's just staffing stuff.
A new one is starting tomorrow.
A good one.
Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER