Borgen (2010) s02e02 Episode Script

1 [Bech.]
Unexpectedly, Bent Sejrø has resigned as minister of finance, to be replaced by Pernille Madsen.
Why does Jacob Kruse have to tell me about your new stand on Afghanistan? When did you stop listening? [Birgitte.]
Bent would've asked: "What are your options?" - [Kasper.]
Why don't you talk to him? - We are not communicating well.
Hi! Will the prime minister help you move? Don't count on it.
Besides, I don't have that much stuff.
- You must have some personal items.
- Cheers, Katrine.
Katrine? I thought you quit because you wouldn't be controlled by Torben Friis but you're at Ekspres letting Laguesen guide your pen.
- I didn't sign them.
- Why not? Because I don't want to divorce you.
Sometimes we have to do stuff, even if we don't want to.
"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
" [Bech.]
Denmark is sending a new EU commissioner to Brussels.
Who that is will be decided soon.
Sorry.
Again from the top.
Denmark is sending a new EU commissioner to Brussels.
Who that is will be decided soon.
The choice is up to the prime minister who is in a meeting with the EU committee.
Repeating it doesn't make it right.
The tabloid says what now? You're going to have to change that segment.
 There's no news yet.
In a minute the prime minister will say nothing's settled.
Wanna bet? I don't make bets with people who write horoscopes.
[laughs.]
Who is the new EU commissioner, Birgitte Nyborg? It's too soon to say.
I need to discuss it with chairman of the commission, Betancourt.
But many pieces have to fall into place.
But you've decided that it will be someone from your party? Nothing is settled yet.
[cameras clicking.]
Right.
Just a moment.
What if I said your candidate for commissioner is Jacob Kruse? A thrilling theory.
Bente Langager has no experience, Guldborg is a foghorn.
Bent Sejrø is too important, even though he's in a spat with the prime minister.
- Man, you talk.
- And you avoid the question.
You could of course sell the post to the Worker's Party for one of their ministries.
Profound analysis.
Katrine, I've got to go.
What can I write from a source close to the prime minister? The Worker's Party will pay a steep price for the post.
But you didn't hear it from me.
Fønsmark from the Ekspres has a good grasp on it.
- Croissant? - No, thank you.
- Coffee? - Yes, please.
What did you give her? That we might sell it to the Worker's Party.
That will definitely never happen, so let's spin it like that.
[knocking.]
I just spoke on the phone with chairman Betancourt, he won't say anything yet.
But I think the Finns want climate for their commissioner, and the British want foreign and security policies, of course.
And France have their sights set on one of the vice-presidencies.
Leblanc called last night.
What can we get? It depends on who we send.
I have a list of candidates.
The Moderates want to send a party man, naturally.
I'm meeting our parliamentary group in 30 minutes.
But we want a post with as much influence as possible, don't we? Yes, of course.
Unless Unless you use the post to get rid of someone.
You could send someone to Brussels you just want out of the way.
And make it look like a promotion.
You want us to use one of the most powerful political posts in Europe to exile an undesirable? By no means.
No, it would be highly inappropriate to go that far.
Betancourt wants you to call at 2 p.
m.
Is that okay? That's fine.
Thanks.
That guy is so far out! What is that man's agenda? It's his own.
Be sure of that.
But he's right, you know.
A lot of Danish politicians have been sent to Brussels never to be heard of again.
In Brussels no one hears you scream.
[theme music playing.]
EPISODE 12 IN BRUSSELS NO ONE HEARS YOU SCREAM Alright.
Anything else? We are still waiting for the EU commissioner.
I've heard, it may not be a Moderate.
Talk about EU in your spare time.
No one wants to read about it.
It's dead on arrival in the press.
It's too complicated and unsexy.
Complicated? Not a damn bit.
The prime minister is appointing a commissioner.
Simple.
The Danes know nothing about the work of the commission.
Then we'll enlighten them.
The commission helps legislate in the EU with the parliament.
And sexy or not, we have to write about it.
The only EU stories people want are about salaries and corruption.
Give me a break! What? The commissioner is Denmark's voice in Europe.
Some political parties would give their right arm for the job.
Revealing the commissioner would be a scoop.
- But can you do that? - Yes.
Sure we can.
Fine.
You're on it.
Right, we need to follow up on the escaped convict.
Who's on that? You'll take that.
We have the health debate at the printing press shop the 27th.
Who'll take that? Alright, great.
It looks like we all just got some homework.
[indistinct chatter.]
Hasn't that meeting been going on for long? The group meeting is long over.
Only the prime minister and Sejrø are left.
- No, I absolutely disagree! - I know.
You usually do, these days.
And you need that, because no one else does! Who pushes back at you? Like on the escalation of war in Afghanistan? I didn't escalate.
I assessed the strategic situation and gave the military what they needed.
"Needed"? You sound like Hesselboe! Alright.
Who opposed you? - Amir.
- No, of your party comrades.
I'm sorry, Bent, but most people agreed with my decision.
- Kruse, for instance.
- Kruse! Who was your protégé in the party.
Birgitte, what the hell did I tell you about being a leader? If you aren't smart, you need to surround yourself with smart people.
If you're smart and reasonable, surround yourself with equals.
Who disagree with you! It is possible to agree with me without being dumb as a doorknob, Bent.
Just because Jacob Kruse agrees, it doesn't mean - And then he takes off! - [door slams.]
You two are still at it, huh? Birgitte, you can't have it like this with your closest party comrade.
Bent isn't my closest.
He is political spokesman and vice-chairman.
Two important posts that can't be occupied by someone you are that much at odds with.
You are always fighting.
No, not always.
Since you fired him from the ministry of finance.
It's been a year.
- The press knows your friendship is over.
- It's not over, Kasper.
I'm just saying that your current relationship is problematic, and you should consider whether Sejrø should have important posts in the future.
He's not exactly your crown prince.
Who says I need a crown prince? I'm not some old queen.
As prime minister you're vulnerable.
Sometimes they can be forced to resign suddenly.
You should consider grooming someone else.
At least for the party's sake.
Look.
My most relevant candidate is also the most logical commissioner candidate.
And I prefer him as the commissioner over crown prince.
Jacob Kruse.
Kruse? Are you serious? That's your decision? I talk over lots of my decisions with you, Kasper, not necessarily all.
He'll be here in a minute.
I wants his opinion on how to occupy the post.
His opinion? He'll point at himself and become EU commissioner before he turns 40.
Which would be a very progressive choice, Kasper.
Kruse can make a difference down there.
He's been brilliant as minister of the EU.
He's young and full of initiative.
He's a fan and a yes-man.
It's uncanny how you suddenly sound just like Sejrø.
What's with you two? Are you jealous of Kruse's success and firm convictions? I have all that, too.
Well Except convictions.
Yes? Chairman Betancourt is on the phone, and Jacob Kruse is here.
That's great, Jytte.
I'll handle Betancourt.
Take care of your good friend Kruse, will you? - Hello, Jacob.
- Kasper.
The prime minister has Betancourt on the phone.
How exciting.
Well, it's getting close too.
What are we hoping to get? I think the prime minister has her own agenda that even I don't know of.
It must be serious then.
So, only she and Bent Sejrø know all the secrets? Presumably.
[in French.]
Let me know what you decide tomorrow.
I hope I can reveal the identity of the Danish candidate at the same time.
Thank you very much.
Goodbye.
[hangs up phone.]
We may get a vice-presidency if we insist with the right candidate.
That would be perfect news to break.
It's awesome with a prime minister who switches so easily to speaking French with the chairman of the commission.
Well, Jacob Our group meeting ended with irrelevant discussions.
I'd like your thoughts about the post as commissioner? I think we should fight hard for it to go to a Moderate.
It's a unique chance for the party.
I agree.
Do you see any obvious candidates? That's not for me to I'm asking you directly.
Anyone goes.
Even yourself.
Well Then I must say I only see one person, who would be right for the job.
Bent Sejrø, of course.
On one hand it's obvious.
Sejrø is a perfect candidate.
Respected former minister of finance with an international network, and you get rid of your little problem in the parliamentary group.
And on the other hand? It smells like tactics from Kruse.
But it's your job to sniff out tactics, Kasper.
It's my job to believe in people's good intentions once in a while.
I'm talking to Betancourt the day after tomorrow.
Put a lid on it until then.
[engine starts.]
Sure you want to go to that debate? Why not? It'll be us, two hookers and a pocket thief.
If you're lucky there will be a few letters-to-the-editor loonies.
Oh.
You only go to debates, if you've got nothing better to do.
Sorry.
I'm just puzzled.
It's my birthday on Thursday.
Thirty-one.
I can't stand it.
Why not? Because Where were you at 31? You were a Paris correspondent, and you had a child.
Yes.
I share my student's flat alone with my new espresso machine, that I don't know how to use, and I doubt I even like espresso.
Times were different then.
People weren't caught up in the career race.
Tell that to my mother.
If I go home on Thursday, she'll find new subtle ways to tell me, I'm wasting my life and ought to get a family.
If you go home? Don't spend your birthday at a brain-dead debate meeting.
Tell your mom you're coming and tell her to shut the fuck up.
- [laughs.]
- In a nice way.
There's only one thing worse than having a family.
And that's not having one.
- See you.
- Yes.
[elevator dings.]
- Good morning.
- Morning.
Good morning, Niels Erik.
Today you can make a note in your black book.
I brought Magnus with me because we're going to the doctor's.
- Well, then welcome, Magnus.
- [Magnus.]
Thanks.
Go sit on the couch, sweetie.
[phone ringing.]
I trust the prime minister had a good weekend.
Yes, thank you.
The press has been ringing all morning.
TV1 asks if No, don't announce anything until I've made my final decision.
We have to be completely waterproof.
I'm coming.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
- I'll be right back.
- Okay.
I promised Magnus a soda.
[soda opens.]
Remember to always put the bottle on the coaster or you'll stain the table.
It's an expensive table.
It's been there long and costs more than you could save up in allowance.
Well, Poul Hartling left a stain over there, so couldn't Magnus Nyborg get to leave just a tiny stain as well? I'll keep Magnus company until his mother returns.
- How about a Coke instead? - Yes, please.
- So you are helping your mother today? - No, I have a doctor's appointment.
I may need to have my ears punctured again.
Oh, that's too bad.
I tried that as a kid, too.
But an upside is, when you're sick, you get spoiled.
When I had scarlet fever, my uncle brought me a binder full of brand new Donald Duck comics.
- They were first editions.
- Do you still have them? Sure.
I'll show them to you some day.
- [Birgitte.]
Call Betancourt's people.
- Yes.
Bent, what are you doing here? I've drawn up a list of commissioner candidates.
Look, I've got a tight schedule.
You have to make an appointment.
Magnus is going to the doctor's.
Yes.
- Good luck, Magnus.
- Thanks.
You got a Coke? [animal noises on television.]
What the hell is happening? I can't hear my own music.
Laura, he can't hear well right now.
He just had his ears punctured.
Not so loud, pumpkin.
[knocking on door.]
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Hi, Bent.
- Hi.
Sorry to disturb, but I told Magnus about my old Donald Duck comics.
Him being sick I thought I'd give them to him.
Thanks! Take good care of them.
They're valuable, I think.
His hearing is still off.
That's okay.
They should be read, not sold.
Nice of you to drop by.
Would you like a cup of coffee? No thanks.
Birgitte, I want to ask you something.
Why won't you talk to me anymore? Give me a break, Bent.
I do want to.
But since you're not a minister anymore we don't see each other that much.
Bent, you knew why I had to fire you then.
Yes.
But not why that entailed that I stopped being your friend.
[calm music playing.]
Kasper, it's Birgitte.
I'm calling to say I've made my decision.
Sejrø is the new commissioner.
I'll talk to him tomorrow, so we can announce it at the press conference.
Bye.
[Birgitte.]
With a man like you with your experience as minister, I'm certain Betancourt will offer us one of the heavy posts.
Maybe even a vice-presidency in the commission.
Don't make me wave the good salary and the perks in front of you.
Thanks, Birgitte, but I'm not interested.
Why not? Why not? Because this is not a job offer.
This is just to relieve you of your guilty conscience.
What do you mean? You're sending me off to Brussels for 2.
5 million kroner a year to keep me from nagging at home.
For 2.
5 million kroner you'll be rid of your most severe critic in the party.
Bent, I'm trying to get Denmark the most competent European commissioner we could wish for.
The Moderates' first commissioner ever.
- You.
- Sure.
It's a very nice explanation, but it's not the truth.
Look, it's a mighty fine job, but I don't want it like this.
- Stop it, Bent! - Birgitte, we've been this close.
We've made policies together.
We've stood shoulder to shoulder, okay? If you can't fit me in anywhere in your world, fine, but don't try to buy me off! [Jacob.]
What? He said no.
- You don't say no to a job like that.
- Sejrø does apparently.
Damn it.
 What a shame.
He would have been a great asset down there.
The Moderates won't get it now.
Our other ministers are too inexperienced.
Unless you are a candidate, Jacob.
You're doing great as the minister for the EU.
You know the system, you're clever and popular.
Should I interpret that as you offering me the post? I'd like to hear your thoughts about it.
[exhales deeply.]
Your offer is flattering, Birgitte, but I feel a huge responsibility for my ministry.
We're in charge when Denmark takes over the chairmanship in six months.
I'd really like to be the minister in charge of that.
Since I don't see us finding someone competent from the Moderates, we'll sell the post to the Worker's Party.
As expensive as possible.
How about I talk to Sejrø? I don't think you'll get anywhere.
It seems personal for him.
It might help if it wasn't someone with old ties like you, who talked to him.
It can't hurt.
Okay.
Try.
[Birgitte.]
He's bright.
[exhales deeply.]
And it's sympathetic that he feels responsible for his ministry.
Kruse said no, because he has higher ambitions than that.
If Sejrø goes, he'll be number two in the party.
He won't risk that by wasting the next five years in Brussels.
Wasting, Kasper? We need to stop treating the post as commissioner like a rotten egg.
- It's one of the biggest posts in Europe.
- Yes, if it's an important post.
But not if you're commissioner for multilingualism or Enough.
- The press conference is in two minutes.
- I know.
And I have no idea who will be commissioner.
[indistinct chattering.]
Could you find us a couple of seats? I just need to [phone chiming.]
- Happy birthday on Thursday.
- Thanks.
- Thirty-one years.
- Yes.
How'd you like to see your old friend Kasper? I can't, I'm going home to Randers.
Home to Randers? Home to your mom to get another eight meters tall pepper grinder? Maybe I'll just work.
[laughs.]
How about I make reservations somewhere nice? - Just tell me how many we'll be.
- [door opens.]
Good morning.
[cameras clicking.]
That's all from me.
But who knows? Maybe someone has a question? Simon? Will the prime minister comment on the latest rumours that former minister of finance Bent Sejrø is a candidate for commissioner? No.
I don't comment on rumors, Simon.
And I won't comment on my choice for commissioner, but I promise that I'm doing my best to get the very best candidate.
Ruben? Sources in the Worker's Party mention Pernille Madsen and Troels Höxenhaven as relevant candidates.
Are you guys asking, because you like hearing me say "no comment?" [crowd laughing.]
Hanne? My question is what your comment is on the latest rumours that Sejrø is a candidate for the post as EU commissioner? It is a really good question, Hanne, but I'm not sure it will improve by me answering it twice.
[crowd laughing.]
- Katrine? - Yes.
Sources say in Brussels say only Spain and Denmark's nominations are outstanding.
Couldn't our late nomination result in getting a less attractive field? We don't need to fear that.
I spoke to Betancourt today.
The major posts are still vacant.
But sure, we are in a hurry.
Simon? Jytte, get me Betancourt.
I won't have Ekspres doing a story about our hesitancy compromising Denmark's power of negotiation.
I'll spin it so it sounds like it's the French who want to influence decisions on all posts.
- Sounds French to me.
- Yes.
But who will be the Danish commissioner? We are in the bizarre situation that the two people we approached turned us down.
According to the Politiken, your minister of finance, Pernille Madsen is interested.
She's interested in anything that gives her more stars on her shoulder.
She is a malignant combination of desiccated nanny and rampant ambition.
Nonetheless, she's our best bet now.
Let's schedule a meeting and hear what the Worker's Party has to offer.
I want the ministry of finance back in exchange for that post, but I'm not counting on it.
Minimum is the ministry of commerce and not a peep from the Worker's Party the rest of the year.
Hanne? Is something wrong? Wrong? What do you mean? You seemed a bit off at the press conference.
I seemed "off"? Or distracted.
[inhales sharply.]
Let me remind you you're speaking to your editor, Katrine.
How I do my job is none of your business.
- Hello, Bjørn.
- Hello, Birgitte.
- Thanks for coming on such short notice.
- Of course.
I guess you want to change ministers because of the commissioner post.
I thought you'd choose Kruse.
No, Jacob is doing such a great job as minister for the EU.
And he's preparing for when we take over the chairmanship in six months.
And Bent? That was just a red herring.
But the Worker's Party have always wanted a commissioner post.
I'm sure you're aware that it'll cost you.
Hi, Kirsten.
- Hello, Birgitte.
- It's been a while.
Yes.
Bent tells me you're busy.
You in particular, I mean.
Yes.
- Are you here to see Bent? - No I'm here to see you.
Your secretary said you were out, and that I could wait here.
Birgitte, I have a great favor to ask of you.
Okay.
They said on the radio that Bent was one of the top candidates for the commissioner post.
Please don't choose him, Birgitte.
It was a heavy blow to him when you fired him as minister of finance.
It's taken him six months to resign to the fact that his presence isn't needed at Borgen at all times.
Actually, he's slowly turning back into an ordinary human being.
He has time to tend to the garden and the grandchildren.
Kirsten, don't worry.
Bent already turned down the post, so I'm looking at other options now.
Well Great! That's wonderful.
- Well, that was it.
Thanks.
- Oh.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Birgitte, please don't tell Bent that I stopped by.
Of course.
- [clanging.]
- Damn it! Hi, beautiful.
What the hell are you doing? Are you tearing down the bathroom? No, I'm just clumsy today.
[sighs.]
[moaning.]
I love that you can just let yourself in the door.
I cleared space for you in the bathroom.
Wow.
And I made our first joint dinner invitation.
Nina and Thor are back from Vietnam.
They're coming over on Thursday.
Want me to remind you who they are? I went to high school with Nina.
She's a kaospilot and project manager.
Thor's a journalist from Syddanske and writes for Ugebladet Mandag Morgen.
Are you called anything other than Kasper Juul? What do you mean? I'm going to order a door sign.
Do you want it to say other than Kasper Juul? Are you okay? Sure, I just It's just been a tough day and I'm a little tired.
I heard Nyborg had to dodge the issue at the press conference.
But you've trained her well.
Do you have plans on Thursday? No No.
Tell me if it's too much.
I can easily reschedule.
No, stop it.
Thursday's perfect.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
You're struggling with that commissioner stuff.
You probably don't remember what I just said.
Alright.
Who did I invite for dinner? You have invited your old friend from school Nina, who's a kaospilot and project manager.
Her boyfriend's name is Thor, a journalist from Syddanske and writes for Ugebrevet Mandag Morgen.
What time are they coming? You're bloody autistic.
At seven p.
m.
- Oh? - Yes.
BIRGITTE NYBORG LIFTS THE VEIL - NEW COMMISSIONER TOMORROW [knocking.]
Hi.
Hi.
Can I come in? Yes, of course.
Sorry, it's a bit messy here Looks just like my apartment.
Would you like anything? Maybe an espresso.
Sure.
[grinding.]
I've had some personal issues to deal with these last few days.
Thursday, which is your birthday, is my daughter's birthday, too.
She's turning 25.
Then why are you off to the debate? Her father's wife Well She can't stand the sight of me or tolerate my person.
I think it's better if I don't show up at all.
Screw the wife.
You're not there for her sake.
Your daughter will be hurt, if you don't come.
Something's wrong.
You didn't turn it on.
Oh - It'll might be a while, then.
- Never mind.
I was actually on my way home.
I was just in the neighborhood.
I just wanted to You know.
- Right.
- See you tomorrow.
Bye.
Bye.
[knocking.]
- Yes.
- You have a visitor.
I didn't make an appointment.
How can I help, Bent? [sighs.]
I've thought it over, and I think I'm going to accept after all.
The commissioner post? You are a little late here, Bent.
Betancourt put the squeeze on me and I had to act, so I offered the job to someone else.
Who? Pernille Madsen.
You can't appoint Pernille Madsen as bloody EU commissioner! We get the ministry of commerce in return.
She hasn't got enough clout for the game down there.
Betancourt will give her some field of no consequence.
Bent, what the hell took you so long? The Worker's Party will be furious! Is the post taken or can I get it? Or would you prefer to send Pernille Madsen to Brussels? Of course it's yours if you want it, Bent.
It's a dream come true to have a Moderate of your caliber there.
You've cleared this with your wife, right? What do you mean? Did you speak to her? Has she been here? Does it matter? You should talk to your spouse before such a decision.
What did Kirsten say? Nothing in particular, but she was quite passionate about it.
Kirsten has wanted me to retire since I was 42, but it's not up to her, and you should butt out of my marriage! These last few days you've made it very clear we have a purely professional relationship.
So why don't we keep it at that! Fine! Let's do that then! - Is the job mine? - Yes.
Congratulations! Good evening, Bent.
[clears throat.]
I'm bloody glad we only have to choose commissioners every five years.
What are you going to tell Marrot and the Worker's Party? What do you think? [door closes.]
Good evening, Bjørn.
It's Birgitte.
Sorry to call this late.
[typing.]
- Good morning, dear.
- Good morning.
You look nice! Are you going out? - I'm having lunch with my daughter.
- How nice.
"Maybe new commissioner.
" Who is the new commissioner? Look, no two rumors have been alike, but Nyborg is announcing it at a press conference any second.
And here I thought you two promised me to reveal the name of the commissioner.
Right.
And who's covering the conference? We both are.
Do you think you're up to it? What do you mean? I heard about your little outburst at the press conference yesterday.
Hanne, drink yourself to death, for all I care.
But don't do any embarrassing shit while working at my newspaper.
Are we clear on that? Michael? That outburst at the press conference was my fault.
I distracted Hanne.
That's why she didn't hear the question.
Good story, but I'm not buying it.
But credit for the sisterhood solidarity.
[Kasper.]
You enter the Mirror Room.
There will be two speaker podiums.
Stand next to them.
You'll have your photo taken.
Then you'll introduce Bent Sejrø.
And then he takes over.
- And then we'll take questions.
- Yes.
Yes? - Jacob Kruse is here.
- Fine.
I just wanted to congratulate you on your choice of commissioner.
It's going to be great.
He'll be great down there and do us proud.
Thanks.
For your efforts, too, Jacob.
I'm guessing you had a hand in Bent changing his mind.
By the way, one of these days you should consider who will be new vice-chairman.
- That job's vacant now.
- I was thinking about you.
[scoffs.]
Oh? It's yours if you want it, Jacob.
Thanks a lot, Birgitte.
I'm really thrilled.
It's a challenge I can't wait to meet.
- Good.
- Good luck with the announcement.
Well done, Bent! - Congratulations.
- Thank you.
Congratulations.
Thanks.
Should we go over the press conference? It starts in 35 minutes.
[clears throat.]
So We'll enter together.
And take our places.
- There will be two podiums? - Yes.
I'll begin.
I'll say hello and introduce you as my new commissioner, and I'll briefly state that I'm happy you accepted the offer because of your great skill.
And that I admire your dedication.
That you've always been my role model and mentor.
That my big challenge now is how to manage without you, because Or that I Words to that effect.
And then you take over.
Sure.
I think you need to put them closer together.
TV gives a false impression.
And make sure they're lined up.
Christ, Hanne! What's going on? Christ, Hanne! Look out.
Come here.
Bloody hell.
Are you okay? Come here.
There you go.
Easy now.
Let me see your hand.
Bloody hell.
- Damn it, Hanne! - [moans.]
Excuse me.
Have you got a minute? - The press conference is in four minutes.
- I know, but could we - I'm holding Hanne's seat.
- She won't need it.
Bloody hell! Hanne? Hanne? Katrine, I really want to help, but the conference is on now.
Of course, I'll handle it.
What happened? I thought you were meeting your daughter.
Hanne we need to get you out of here before anyone sees you.
[indistinct chattering.]
We're almost there.
Hanne Holm fell.
We need to go to the ER.
Could you call a cab? - Yes.
- Thank you.
Not the ER.
No, I don't think you need it.
The cab's taking you home.
Hanne.
Hanne? The cab is going to take you home.
- Go to bed and don't call anyone, okay? - Yes.
I'll think of something to say to Laugesen.
What is the greatest challenge facing the European Union? Without a doubt that the EU project does not have the public's support.
Even though most of our national legislation is based on our membership.
- But you have a solution? - Of course.
That's why my salary is higher than the prime minister's.
I'd better do something about that.
Thank you for coming.
- Birgitte! - Sejrø.
- Birgitte.
- Sejrø! Alright.
I think that was that.
[indistinct chattering.]
- Congratulations.
- Thanks.
Congratulations.
- Congratulations.
- Thanks.
Congratulations on your appointment, Sejrø.
I'd like to mention that in honor of the appointment, the committee on EU affairs is meeting in Landstingssalen at five p.
m.
Landstingssalen? We think it will draw quite a crowd including reporters.
Well, then Bring them on.
[laughing.]
- My editors will be happy.
- Good.
Thank you for today.
- Did you - Yes, a cab took her home.
Thank you for being so discreet.
She owes you a big one.
No, I think Hanne owes you a big one.
Who got the post? Bent Sejrø.
Fuck, Laugesen is going to kill me when I get back empty-handed.
I taped it for you on my phone.
I can just send you the file.
- There now - [laughs.]
- Don't forget your things.
- Right.
About tomorrow I'm not going back home to Jutland after all.
Want to do something? Do you want a whole bunch of people or just the two of us? - Is your girlfriend okay with that? - Yes, of course.
We're - We're adults, Katrine.
- Yes.
I'll book a table for tomorrow night at 7 p.
m.
? - Are you at Ekspres then? - Yes.
- Then I'll pick you up.
- That sounds perfect.
There he is.
Looking good, Sejrø.
They want the two of you live on TV1 News after the committee meeting.
We'll see if we can make it.
- Birgitte, enter in five minutes.
- Good.
The papers want a double interview.
Here's a list.
Sejrø, it will be a tough schedule next week.
As new commissioner you must be ratified by the parliament.
- It's an extensive proceeding.
- When is it? Tuesday next week.
The hearing will take six-seven hours.
They'll ask you anything.
But Bent loves exams.
Right, Bent? There's the chairman of the EU committee.
- Congratulations, Birgitte.
- Thanks, Lars.
- You finally found your commissioner.
- Yes.
All roads lead to Sejrø.
In all modesty, I'm sure I've chosen the best.
We look forward to his speech.
Should we get going? I think we need to wait.
They'll let us in in five minutes' time.
[inaudible dialogue.]
[echoing.]
Bent, look at me.
[inaudible dialogue.]
Who's going to water the garden? Who's going to water the garden? [somber music playing.]
[somber music continues.]
Can I come visit him? Yes, hang on.
What ward is he in? Thank you.
It's a cerebral embolism, and it's serious.
They don't know if he's going to need surgery.
Thanks.
I've written a press release we can send out.
Thank you.
And then there's this.
You're going to be furious but it's below us to respond to trash like that.
NYBORG APPOINTED DEADLY SICK SEJRØ "The prime minister knew Sejrø had suffered a cerebral embolism.
" Bent had one before? "A source close to Bent Sejrø's family reveals to Ekspres that Birgitte Nyborg was aware that the former minister of finance had a small cerebral embolism earlier this year.
And yet she chose him for the stressful post of European commissioner.
" It is a low and ugly lie! Jytte, clear my schedule.
I'm going to the hospital.
Any news about Bent? I'm on my way there.
You couldn't know this would happen.
Ekspres thinks I could.
Look, they are fucking idiots.
Nobody takes them seriously.
I have the party's unanimous support to take over his duties.
- So don't worry about that.
- Thank you.
Good morning.
Happy birthday.
[typing.]
I broke it off myself two days after the Wall fell.
CONGRATULATIONS, KATRINE.
YOU HAVE TIME TO DO IT ALL.
HANNE Thanks, Hanne.
I really appreciate this.
My daughter didn't show up yesterday.
She kept me waiting for two hours and then she texted that she didn't have the energy for me.
You haven't talked to her since? We don't have the best relationship.
We don't have any relationship.
I don't see her.
Camilla grew up with her dad.
He got custody after the divorce.
She was five.
I thought mothers were sure to get custody back then.
No way I was always away traveling in my correspondent days.
I was really never home in Denmark.
So No birthday with your daughter? No, I'm off to the health debate at the printing press shop.
I might just buy one of the letters-to-the-editor loonies a soda.
- How serious is it? - He is stable.
But the embolism was serious and is bound to cause paralysis to a certain extent.
- [Birgitte.]
What's the prognosis? - [doctor.]
It's too early to say.
We don't know which centers have been affected.
But we will look into it.
- You have no business here.
- What do you mean, Kirsten? You knew Bent was ill.
- Listen - You knew he had an embolism this spring, and yet you offered him a demanding job? Kirsten, don't believe the papers.
It's a lie.
I asked you not to.
But you didn't say why.
I knew nothing about Bent's illness.
How would I know? I told Jacob Kruse, who said he'd inform you.
- You told Jacob Kruse? - Yes.
Everything.
I spoke to him two days ago in the hall by your office, just before I met you.
Well, he didn't tell me.
A highly placed minister has deliberately betrayed one of his closest colleagues and me.
Well, it's happened before.
But it can't get out.
The Moderates can't look like a backstabbing party.
Not when we could be in an election within a year.
Kruse won't have a minister's seat in my government, that's for sure.
Birgitte, you can't fire him in the middle of this.
He's second-in-command in the party and your EU minister.
It stinks.
[knocking.]
Hi.
Come in.
Shut the door.
Sure.
Sit down.
So How was Sejrø? Jacob, I just told the party secretary that you're resigning as vice-chairman immediately.
[laughs.]
What do you mean? I'm considering Henrik Kjærså as the new minister for the EU.
But why? Because you're taking over the commissioner post.
Sejrø can't go to Brussels.
But as you yourself advocated, the party should have a Moderate commissioner, and you're the obvious choice.
But my work is here My family I've worked my ass off for Kirsten Sejrø came to you, Jacob.
You knew Bent had a small embolism in the spring and couldn't be exerted.
You kept that knowledge from me to further your own interests.
In the old days, he would have said it himself.
Don't blame me for your broken confidence Stop right there.
That's not all you've done, Jacob.
Look me in the eyes and tell me it wasn't you who told Ekspres that I knew about Bent's illness to discredit me.
[laughs.]
Why should I discredit you? Because you are slowly positioning yourself to be my successor.
Alright, look I know I may deserve a serious reprimand but can't I just get a smaller ministry? No, that would be a waste of a man with your talents.
And this is not a job you turn down.
Are you sure it's okay? Yes.
You can meet Nina and Thor later.
Good, because I don't want Hey, Kasper.
It's fine.
I've been in a relationship based on mistrust.
Never again.
Just go.
Hey, hey, hey.
Say congratulations from me, if that's okay.
That's okay.
Kisses.
[typing.]
[in Danish.]
Happy birthday to you Happy birthday, dear Katrine.
- Happy birthday.
- Thanks.
- Let me just send this, and I'm ready.
- Sure.
Someone is joining us.
I hope that's okay.
[comical groan.]
Our old friend Hanne Holm.
You're a good person, Katrine.
Thanks.
So are you.
You're just ashamed to admit it.
Good evening, Kasper.
- Good evening.
- Thanks for the invite.
Katrine didn't want me to be alone tonight.
That's what you say about old people on Christmas' Eve! You're very welcome, Hanne.
- We're just three old friends, right? - Thanks.
I promise you this: We won't run out of things to talk about.
One of the oldest finds in Europe.
A copy of the Venus of Willendorf.
Beautiful, huh? Just what I've always wanted.
Oh, come on! It's art eternal.
The original is 24,000 years old.
- Oh, you're hinting at something? - [laughs.]
It's very nice.
Thanks.
I'll just go and let down my hair, then we can go.
I'll call a cab.
"Three old friends.
" Right, Kasper.
We do go back a long way.
"In vino veritas", you know? That's what all the drunks say.
You might be fooling yourself and everyone else.
But you still love Katrine.
I can bloody tell.
Should we get out of here? - It's going to be a blast.
- Yes.
[typing.]
Pumpkin.
You can't sleep? What's wrong? Did you have a bad dream? Yes, about Bent.
Don't you think he should have his Donald Duck comics back? Now that's he's sick.
What an excellent idea.
We'll pack them in the bag, and when Bent is feeling better, we'll go visit him together, okay? I miss dad.
Would you like to sleep in my bed? I want to go over to Dad's.
But I'm right here.
Yes, but I want to go over to Dad's.
Okay.
[somber music playing.]
[phone buzzes, chimes.]
FROM KASPER: JACOB KRUSE NEW COMMISSIONER.
PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW MORNING.
ONLY YOU KNOW.
I'd like to thank the prime minister for this fantastic appointment.
But it is also with sadness that I leave my post as minister for the EU.
And it will be as EU commissioner for multilingualism that Jacob Kruse takes his post this January.
Torben Friis? Yes, Nyborg had to move fast.
Her first candidate, Bent Sejrø had been promised one of the heavy posts.
[Mørch.]
Yes, rumor had it that he was in line for a vice-presidency because of Sejrø's experience - and time as minister of finance.
- Exactly.
But a greenhorn like Kruse coming in last minute like this can't expect to get a post of that magnitude.
That's why he's stuck with a rather inferior field.
[beeping.]
[somber music playing.]
Bent, I'm truly sorry about all this.
Do you think we can go back to being good friends again?