Borgen (2010) s02e03 Episode Script

1 I can assure you the Worker's Party stands united behind me and therefore a future government.
Bjørn, I can't support you.
We both know you are no prime minister.
You have great qualities as a politician, but not as a bloody leader.
[Birgitte.]
You may still be minister of justice on paper, but as I see it, I fired you this morning in my office, as it should have been.
Is the prime minister coming to help you move? Don't count on it.
Besides, I don't have a lot of stuff.
[in Danish.]
Happy birthday to you, dear Katrine How about I book a table some place nice? Is your girlfriend okay with that? Cheers, Katrine.
Katrine? - I didn't sign them.
- Why not? Because I don't want to divorce you.
"Ours is one hell of a victory.
" THOMAS NIELSEN former chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions This weekend, the government is having a seminar called Our Common Future aimed at discussing the Danish welfare state.
What is Denmark going to look like in the year 2020? How do we ensure that our children will also be able to partake in future welfare.
The welfare state has been a cornerstone of our self-image.
Something we've been proud of, and rightly so.
The government believes that we must look at what we can afford and what to prioritize.
Primary school and education of our youth is one of our top priorities.
We want to create the best school in the world.
How are we going to finance it? We want to make tough priorities.
There are things we can no longer afford.
We must review early retirement and decrease down the line.
Yes? [Kasper.]
Aren't you tampering with basic welfare rights? Yes, but we believe other parts of our social security net could catch those eligible for early retirement in the future.
[Kasper.]
Be careful with that phrasing.
It sounds as if you see early retirement pensioners as social losers.
Yes, I could hear how it sounded wrong.
Yes? Excuse me.
The first journalists are here.
But where should they go? Two minutes.
Two minutes.
Have them wait outside until then.
Bjørn Marrot is here, too.
He wants to talk to Birgitte.
He say's it's urgent - I'm glad I made it, Birgitte.
- Bjørn, can't it wait until after? I must ask you to please hold off mentioning early retirement.
What? Several union members have issues with it.
You said you cleared it with them.
Yes, but now several key leaders feel they haven't been heard.
Excuse me, but who the hell dictates your policies, Bjørn? I do, Birgitte.
And I don't condone it either.
I've been awake all night thinking about it.
Early retirement was one of our key issues, and we fought to implement it.
Please don't mention it, until we've talked the matter over.
There must be other options! It's definitively the main financial source for our entire new welfare package.
I'm presenting it to the press in three minutes.
What the hell should I tell them when they ask where the money will come from? Birgitte.
We're on now.
Do we even have common ground, Bjørn? FUNDING FOR OUR COMMON FUTURE EPISODE 13 THE LAST WORKER [cameras clicking.]
That went really well.
Really well? I avoided the issue for 20 minutes.
That's what I always say.
You have to be tough with the Worker's Party.
I bloody well intend to.
Marrot is practically married to the union.
He worked for them for several years.
He's the product of another age.
Kasper, we'll have to do this later.
- I have a meeting now.
- Right.
Regarding your ex-husband Jytte, I don't have time for that.
If he calls, tell him I'll call him back when I can.
But he didn't call, he Birgitte? Phillip? - What are you doing here? - I've been calling you for days.
- We need to talk.
- Does it have to be right now? - It won't take long.
- I'm already late for a meeting.
Birgitte Alright, look I've met a woman named Cecilie.
I've tried to tell you a couple of times, but No, what I want to say is, things have become serious between us.
Good for you.
But why is this important? The kids are staying with me Friday.
And I'd like them to meet her when we all go to the movies tonight so they can Well have time to get used to the idea, right? No, Phillip.
I think that's a very bad idea.
It's too soon.
I don't want the kids to meet your random girlfriends.
Magnus is only just calming down.
All my random girlfriends? - I've known Cecilie for months.
- Then why only tell me know? I've tried to tell you You asked me not to say anything until it was serious.
- And it just got serious today? - No, it's been for long, Birgitte.
She's a part of my life now.
I just want the kids to meet her.
No.
I'm sorry, Phillip.
But the answer is no.
If you intend to introduce them to Cecilie tonight I'm not handing over the kids when you come to pick them up.
- Is that for you to decide? - I'm their mother.
They're not ready.
Fine.
We'll wait then.
- Good.
- Right.
Have a nice day then.
[phone ringing.]
The minister of taxation called about the meeting.
What should I say? - I'll call him back later.
- Okay.
Birgitte, I think you handled the press conference fantastically.
I'm sorry you were forced to change tactics.
It would be easier if the Worker's Party had a leader who knew his own beliefs.
I think Marrot is doing his best.
I'm just saying, it's hard enough to lead a three-party coalition.
And when the Worker's Party can't agree internally, it's close to impossible.
- We could talk at the minister's meeting.
- Sure.
I don't have much time.
No wonder.
The prime minister sure seemed dodgy regarding how to finance your otherwise fine welfare package.
Thanks.
We're working on the final details.
Can we agree that financing a bill worth a couple of billion or ten hardly counts as "the final details"? Katrine, I'm sorry.
I've got to go now.
Have you got the amendments to Our Common Future? Thank you.
Is anything wrong? Wrong? I have a funny feeling that you're trying to avoid me.
That is a funny feeling.
What makes you say that? We usually talk three to four times a week, and we haven't since my birthday, and you've started calling the others at the paper.
You're not the only correspondent on politics at Ekspres, Katrine.
No.
- I really have to go now.
- How are things with Lotte? Fine.
We're happy.
[knocking.]
Birgitte asked me to tell she's on her way.
Thanks.
Did you see Marrot this morning? Everyday I think he has peaked in how confused he can look.
"In control" is not what I would call our chairman and foreign minister.
Same for his grasp of English.
- I owe you a shrimp sandwich.
- And two snaps.
Here.
I want to talk to you later.
Before we start, I want to talk about this morning's episode.
I was on my way to the press conference and Bjørn Marrot shows up last minute and has now changed his stance on our plan to dismantle early retirement, which is the most important source of financing for our welfare package.
I have to stress this for everyone.
We need clear and straight lines.
I'm very serious, Bjørn.
I cannot accept that we lay out a course for you to rob me last minute of my mandate to speak for the government.
I know it was a bad situation.
But I had to put my foot down.
Shouldn't we discuss this internally in the party? I take full responsibility as chairman.
We never agreed to abolish early retirement.
We are not abolishing early retirement.
We agreed on a phase-out.
The Worker's Party agrees on this.
We won't touch early retirement.
Well, that's news to me.
As long as you agree among yourselves.
Look, it's no secret that opinions diverge internally in the party, but naturally, we support our chairman.
Okay.
We don't have time for this now.
Bjørn, I want to talk to you tomorrow, and Troels, as vice-chairman, you should come with.
Should we say my office at 4 p.
m.
? - Yes, 4 p.
m.
- Alright.
Then let's return to the agenda.
Right.
Not so much story yet.
But it does tell something.
- And this one - Let me see the other one.
She's grown as a prime minister, that Birgitte Nyborg.
Katrine says she held a press conference for 20 minutes without saying a thing.
She's become your everyday career politician without opinions.
Something went wrong.
It was a weird press conference.
Her Power Point made no sense when it came to financing.
I got some good shots of her looking at her spin doctor and looking pissed as hell.
[laughs.]
That is bloody great, Kalle.
Are the two of you covering the government seminar at Helenekilde? We're counting on it.
I have several interviews lined up.
- That just got you the cab fare.
- Sure.
Anything else? There's been a lot of rumours about Bjørn Marrot.
Oh? What about? Basically that he is incompetent.
- Several from his party mention it.
- I hear it too.
And the rumours have increased recently.
Something's up.
We should write about that, right? No, we shouldn't.
It's just someone spreading malicious rumors.
We are not fanning out the dirt for a bunch of spin.
Won't it look odd if all the other papers go into it? I have to get this.
This is Michael.
Since when are we above rumors? Since they were about Marrot.
Ekspres hasn't run a single negative story about him since Laugesen got hired.
That's true.
Marrot is Laugesen's last ally in the party.
If we slam him, he'll lose a very important supporter and source at Borgen.
That is bloody unbelievable.
If I were you, I'd find out who's spreading those rumors.
It makes you wonder, right? Marrot has been designated harmless ever since he was elected leader.
Who's got it in for him now? [phone chiming.]
I've asked Kim to take me home.
Phillip's going to the movies with the kids.
 I want to send them off.
[phone ringing.]
Can I ask you a personal question? Is there something we should talk about? You just seemed shaken after your talk with Phillip this morning.
That's got nothing to with it.
I'm upset because of the mess Marrot has caused.
Okay.
Just be careful not to let your frustration about Marrot Considering what he put me through this morning, I find it fair.
And I agree completely.
You should just know there are some critical voices surrounding Marrot these days.
Don't come down too hard on him.
I don't come down on him, Kasper.
Not half as hard as I should.
Be careful about browbeating people.
I miss the way it used to be, Kasper.
I miss Sejrø.
How is he? He's better, but we shouldn't count on him being his old self.
I don't think he'll return to Borgen.
Have a good evening.
You too.
You're leaving early.
Not much to do today? - I spent most of it knitting.
- How are the oven mitts coming along? I'm working on a little hat.
Kim, I need to make a phone call.
[recording.]
This is Phillip.
Leave a message.
Hi Phillip, it's Birgitte.
Look, I've been thinking, and I'm sorry I was so hard on you.
I was just under pressure from a lot of But If you feel they are ready, then of course they can meet your girlfriend.
And I want to meet her too.
So I think it would be a great idea if you brought her along tonight Then the kids could see that everything is okay, right? I'm on my way home.
Come by whenever you're ready.
Okay? Bye.
Do you know a good florist, Kim? Why are you shining up the house? - But I'm not.
- Sure you are.
When was the last time you brought home flowers? I do now and then.
Laura, have you heard from your dad? No.
He may be bringing someone for us to meet.
Is it his girlfriend? You knew he'd met someone? He didn't tell me directly, but I had a feeling.
He's been like When he's on the phone with her, he seems more happy and silly.
[doorbell buzzing.]
[door opens.]
Hi, honey.
- Hi.
- Hi, dad.
Hey, champ.
It's so nice here.
You're alone? Didn't you get my message? Kids, grab what you need, because we're leaving right away.
- Sure.
- Good.
Look, I I've been thinking too, and you may be right.
I don't want to force it.
You're not.
Stop.
Sure they can meet her.
I was just stressed out.
Are you sure? I'm not the first prime minister to have a change of heart.
[scoffs.]
I think we should meet, all of us.
Of course.
- Okay? - What about tomorrow? I can be home by 5.
30 p.
m.
and we could - You could come by for coffee or - Yeah, sure.
Well - Cecilie drinks tea, but - Tea is fine.
We have plenty.
- Sure.
- Tea and coffee.
- Call me when you're on your way, then - Sure, we will.
You're taking that to the movies? - Yes.
- What if you lose it? - We'll be careful.
Come on.
- It won't.
- Yeah.
- Grab your coat.
- Bye, Mom.
- Bye.
[door shuts.]
Torben, I can't give you an exclusive.
Because it's a government seminar outlining the financial policy for Denmark the next two years.
No, you're going to have to share this with the rest of the class.
Yes.
Bye.
Oh, man.
See you, gorgeous.
Are you here? What? I don't feel like you're here very much.
You're somewhere else.
I feel like these past weeks have been a little strange.
It's this government seminar.
It's a big thing.
It just needs to get in the air.
Right now it's a challenge just keeping the government together.
Yes, of course.
See you.
Look, Kasper.
Are you sure you want to move in with me? It doesn't seem like it at all.
I told you I want to.
I did.
I promise you now that as soon as this is over, you and I are going to go away to a place with sunlight, beaches and cocktails.
And with no excuses for not fucking five times a day.
[sighs.]
[car engine starting.]
[Jytte.]
Good morning.
Troels Höxenhaven called to ask if we could move the meeting with Marrot to 11 a.
m.
Since the meeting with Danish Industry was postponed, I didn't see a problem.
No, that's fine.
The papers for the government seminar are on your desk.
Did he say why? No, not a word.
[knocking.]
Yes.
- The minister of justice is here.
- Show him in.
Sorry I'm late.
- You're alone? - I don't know where Marrot is.
I've been waiting ten minutes.
Jytte, please get hold of Marrot and ask what's keeping him.
Birgitte, I have my secretary on the line.
- Never mind.
- He's got a handle on it.
Right.
Troels speaking.
Any news about Marrot? Okay.
Well, tell him to call as soon as he gets back.
Thanks.
It seems Marrot is at a meeting at the Mexican embassy.
What? He's had a lot on his mind lately.
So I don't know Should we schedule a new meeting? No, since you're here, you and I can talk, right? [pouring.]
I understand if you felt put on the spot at the press conference.
But you should know I share your stance completely on early retirement.
- But I can't say that as vice-chairman.
- No, of course.
The Worker's Party is a large and old party bound by other traditions and considerations than the Moderate Party.
It must be deeply frustrating having to dance with such a cumbersome partner, I understand.
Troels, is Marrot in bad standing in the party? - Not that I've noticed.
- Rumors are buzzing.
Sure, but look He heads the largest Danish party.
Rumors come with the territory.
Right? Don't put too much stock into that.
[Mørch.]
Foreign minister Bjørn Marrot has become a subject of attention since he has performed poorly as a representative of Denmark.
Marrot's unfortunate choice of words in BBC earlier this year is used as proof we sure didn't "shoot the parrot" with our choice of foreign minister.
[in English.]
With this new deal I think we can say that both Denmark and the rest of the EU countries have, so to speak, shot the parrot.
You spelled it wrong, okay? F-Æ-L-D-E-S spells "fældes", and not "fælles.
" It's a passive form of the word "at fælde" and perhaps you don't know the concept of a passive form, but there is no fucking "D" in "fælles".
If there is, then we're talking about cutting down trees.
Understand? Just have new banners ready for the seminar in 24 hours.
- Say, Kasper? - Yes? - You should know, we're not behind them.
- What? The foolish rumors about the foreign minister.
But surely you are the only ones to gain from it.
Sure, if you look at it with a narrow mind and assume that we, the opposition, per definition love everything that discredits the government.
Just tell Birgitte we're not the instigators.
Sorry, Lars, but I don't think Birgitte Nyborg believes anything you say.
We all remember your little Afghanistan stunt.
That was pure strategy, Kasper.
This is different.
If I could topple Bjørn Marrot as a bad foreign minister, I'd do it tomorrow.
But he's not.
He may be weak, but he knows his priorities, and he's a good man.
He and I have been in parliament together nearly 15 years.
One thing should convince you that it isn't coming from me.
- And what is that? - It's lacks style, Kasper.
To say that the foreign minister is bad at English or that he wears socks in his sandals It's pure bullying.
And I won't bully my way back to being prime minister.
Say hi to Birgitte for me.
Okay, Kasper.
Right.
Thanks, bye.
- I'll work from home the rest of the day.
- Yes, okay.
- Have a good evening.
- You, too.
- Hi, Bjørn.
- Where are you going? I'm going home.
What about our meeting at four? Höxenhaven moved it to this morning.
His secretary should have talked to yours.
I waited for you.
[elevator dings.]
I feel like I'm left out of the loop more and more Bjørn, I can't and won't interfere in your internal affairs.
But you have to agree before we meet the day after tomorrow at Helenekilde.
Yes, of course.
Mom, you don't have to do all this just because that lady is coming with dad.
It has nothing to do with that.
If you didn't leave your shoes all over the place, I wouldn't have to tidy up.
[phone ringing.]
Hi, Phillip.
Hi, Birgitte.
We're on our way now.
- Go right here.
- [Cecille.]
Here? - [Phillip.]
No, go right.
- [Cecille.]
Okay.
But you said - [Phillip.]
Sure thing.
- [Cecille.]
You pointed to the left [Phillip.]
Oh.
Sorry about that.
I'm back.
Birgitte? Hello? - Hello? - I'm sorry, Phillip.
It's good that you called.
I just can't get away from the office.
I'm still here.
[Phillip.]
A call would have been nice.
I know, and I'm sorry.
We'll reschedule, okay? Bye.
It's okay, Mom.
We can meet her another day.
[distant sirens blaring.]
[Mørch.]
The episode makes many other papers question Bjørn Marrot's skill as foreign minister.
Today's headline in BT calls him "an embarrassment for Denmark," because he attended a dinner at the American embassy and misunderstood the invitation saying "black tie.
" But that's old news? [Mørch.]
This means tuxedo and not, as Bjørn Marrot erroneously thought, a black tie.
The episode makes many When I speak with the secretaries for the New Right and the Liberals, they make a big fuss about it not being them.
It could be the Worker's Party.
Höxenhaven or that witch, Pernille Madsen.
They've always had bad taste and petty minds.
But it is damn efficient.
It's a classic recipe.
First you humiliate your victim.
When everyone is laughing, you launch the serious character assassination.
I'll bet that the next few days will surface a little story about alcohol or misfiled receipts.
Then the last sympathy will disappear, and he'll be ripe for toppling.
But isn't it a big risk to run two years after the Worker's Party finally got into government? If you ask me Höxenhaven's personal ambitions outweigh his loyalty to the party.
There's the pot calling the kettle black, right, Michael? We could run the gay story on him? Michael? Seriously.
Let him feel the sting of public ridicule.
Isn't that just an urban myth? Nope.
I promise you stuff went down at Höx's hotel rooms, when we were abroad.
He's mad for young guys.
Enough of that, Michael.
Do you have any proof? - Not hard evidence.
- Oh, so you took part? Oh, shut up.
- The guy has been married for many years.
- That's no obstacle.
- Michael.
- I said, I'll be right in! That's no obstacle.
Do you know how many married men swoop by Ørstedsparken for a quickie? - Look - Before they go home to wifey.
- It is bloody true.
- Look, we can't run it, no matter what.
Fine, we'll run a positive story on Marrot.
How much he travels, how busy and diligent he is, how many meetings he attends.
I have a meeting.
You take a look at this one, Katrine.
See you later, alligator.
I bloody told you I was coming, damn it - Am I just a suck-up journalist now? - Seems like it.
[bell chimes.]
[phone chiming.]
Yes.
Did you reschedule yesterday's meeting to make Marrot look bad? Of course not.
It was all a misunderstanding between secretaries.
What about the black-tie story? Was that you? - Why should I humiliate my chairman? - That's what I'm asking.
My guess is that it's the Liberals who are laying the groundwork to an early election.
I don't think so.
Troels, can you promise me there isn't a showdown coming in the Worker's Party? Listen, Birgitte.
Everyone stands behind Marrot.
May I remind you, we have a very important government seminar tomorrow? We have several bills in the pipeline that would change the welfare society we all talk so much about.
Do you understand then that it is not helpful that we instead discuss proficiency in English and Marrot's clothing? Yes, of course.
Thank you.
That's all.
Yes.
[Birgitte.]
How are you doing? I'm okay.
It's never nice to be the subject of attention in the press, but it comes with the territory.
Bjørn, you are vice-prime minister and party chairman.
You have power.
I suggest you use it.
You do know that it might be people from your own party who are spreading rumors, right? People will believe anything about the Worker's Party just because we have had internal strife before.
Had Sejrø been here now, he would have said that Caesar was murdered by his own.
Bjørn, I can't act on the internal strife in the Worker's Party.
You're on your own there.
What do you want me to do? Sometimes you have to act resolutely when your position is threatened.
To make an example and regain the necessary respect.
We don't whip people into place in the Worker's Party.
We prefer dialogue.
Listen.
Thorsen is behind me.
He is a key figure in the party.
We've decided to tighten the grip in the parliamentary group and on our ministers.
No more renegading and disloyalty.
I will make clear that we still follow the core values that our party was founded on.
Common ground and solidarity.
And that's how it will be.
[Birgitte.]
Thanks, Christoffer.
- Here's your change.
- Fantastic.
Did you just have a guy with a law degree, probably the top of his class, run your errands? Trust me, it concerns national security.
Laura is meeting Phillip's new girl and didn't have any black clothes.
- Black? - Black! It has to be black.
So, what do all hardworking single moms do? - She makes her secretary run errands.
- Yes, she does.
Shouldn't you be meeting with the coordination committee? Marrot asked me to postpone an hour.
They had to finish a talk in the Worker's Party.
- Did you talk to him? - I think he got it.
They have to close it.
We want the press to write about welfare and education instead of gossip, right? - Thanks.
- Kasper? Do you have a minute? Just for your information, I had an informal meeting with the permanent secretary at the foreign ministry this morning.
And I have to tell you it's not exactly contentment with the minister that describes the mood over there.
The foreign ministry is a place of tradition, and not everyone feels that Marrot fits in.
And stuff like that surfaces at some point or another.
So someone "forgets" to tell Marrot he should wear a tuxedo and not a black tie, to make him look stupid.
So you're saying the rumors could've been leaked from his own ministry? And that I can't guarantee it won't happen again.
Well, as a final remark I'd like to say I'm looking forward to a good and rewarding seminar.
- Thank you.
- Thanks.
I'd like to ask everyone to stay seated.
Can't it wait? I have a meeting at the ministry.
No, it can't.
Please sit down, Troels.
I didn't get to talk to all of you personally.
But I'd like to stress that the Worker's Party has agreed now to protect early retirement.
I'm glad to hear you have you've found a stance you agree on, Bjørn.
But But I would have liked to discuss early retirement.
But then I assume you have another coherent proposal for financing the welfare package.
Of course.
We want to postpone some subsidies for industry and agriculture in the Green Growth program.
But that's not a solution, Bjørn.
I'm sorry, but we can't lower our ambitions for the climate and environment just because your party suddenly changes stance.
- Then we'll negotiate.
- We already have negotiated, Bjørn.
Then we'll have to raise taxes or lower ambitions for primary school to make the welfare package a little cheaper.
I'm afraid that's out of the question.
We'll have to find it elsewhere.
- What does the minister of finance say? - That the numbers added up before.
And that we need to find 27 billion, if we leave early retirement out of it.
And I'd like to know how Bjørn can say the party is in agreement when he hasn't spoken with all of us.
He can do it, because he is our chairman.
He sets the course, which also goes for the minister of finance.
I'm glad you agree, Pernille.
Let's adjourn for now.
See you tomorrow at the seminar.
I still despair over the issue of finding the money, Bjørn.
- But I'm glad you got your group in line.
- Thank you.
And should there be more fuss in the press regarding black ties and dead parrots, I hope you'll go out and support your foreign minister.
- Be careful with that.
- What? Supporting Marrot in public.
I just spoke with the permanent secretary, and it is quite possible more things will leak from the foreign ministry.
- What? - We don't know for sure, but don't give Marrot your full support in the press today if you have to take it back tomorrow.
Does the prime minister still have full confidence in Bjørn Marrot after the latest news? I trust the foreign minister can answer any questions about his duties.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Thank you.
Torben Friis, what is the prime minister really saying between the lines? That she won't get involved in this case.
She won't comment on whether the foreign minister's English is up to par, or whether he wears the proper suit and so on.
And she's wise to refrain from commenting on stuff like this.
What is Bjørn Marrot's current political position? We can agree that he's been humiliated a lot lately.
[Friis.]
Absolutely, but Marrot is an old-timer.
He's been in the game for many years.
And he's been a member of the Worker's Party for 35 years.
[Morch.]
He was a welder at the shipyard in Helsingør back in the 70's.
[Friis.]
Exactly, back when there was still a real worker's movement in Denmark.
An old joke tells of two problems with the worker's movement.
One, there are no workers.
And two, there's really not a movement.
But stay with me, because - Good morning.
- Have a look.
- Thanks, Mom.
I love it.
- It looks great on you.
It's really nice.
Please sit down.
So, how are you feeling about meeting your dad's new girlfriend? - Are you guys okay? - Yes.
Look, even though there is nothing strange in your dad having a new girlfriend, it's okay for you to be a bit upset.
But I'd like to say, that if you think Cecilie is really nice and wonderful, you're not being disloyal to me.
You're not being mean, okay? And if you don't like her you're not being disloyal with your dad.
I think we're fine, Mom.
That's good.
I just want to add that I love you both very much.
And it's okay, if you need some time to get used to her.
Right? - She's not going to be my mom.
- She sure isn't.
Right, honey? - Go and get ready for school.
- Okay.
Laura, I I need you to be the big sister.
Please call me, if Magnus gets even a little upset.
- Yes.
- I can pick you up any time.
And that goes for you too.
It may be hard for the both of you to see your dad with another woman.
- Mom - Promise to call me, okay? - I'll be right here.
- I will.
- So we have a deal, right? - Sure.
- A firm deal.
Great.
- Right.
Katrine! Meet Mikkel.
Our new trainee photographer tagging along to the seminar.
Okay? I didn't know.
Hi, I'm Katrine.
Why It's Laugesen.
He wants to put an extra effort into the segments for Ekspres TV.
Things will be high speed up there, so Mikkel will assist on the video side.
Great.
Have you been close to government before? No, I don't think so.
- Should be exciting.
- Yes.
Are you up-to-date on the rumors about the foreign minister? [laughs.]
He's 22, okay? I didn't read the bloody papers when I was 22, either.
I did.
No, beautiful.
I just didn't want to disturb you, because you looked so beautiful in your sleep.
Yeah.
I don't know.
No, I Lotte, don't wait up for me.
We have a lot of work.
[phone rings.]
I think we'll spend the night.
Sure.
I will.
Today's issue of Ekstrabladet says, under the headline "Porn and Pernod", that foreign minister Bjørn Marrot during a hotel visit I'll call you back.
watched movies and drank Pernod for taxpayer money.
According to the newspaper, Bjørn Marrot raided the minibar and watched movies for 330 kroner, and furthered the bill to the foreign ministry afterwards.
Earlier this morning we caught vice-chairman in the Worker's Party, Troels Höxenhaven for a comment: I find this smear campaign undignified and deranged.
I have nothing else to say than that I support Bjørn Marrot completely.
Is there It's like I said A ministry gets a life of its own, if the leader is too weak or if discontentment with the leader grows too big.
Cracks appear, and from those cracks seeps information.
[indistinct chattering.]
Troels Höxenhaven what is your comment on the rumors of party strife? I don't have much to comment on rumors.
I stick to the facts.
- Kim, what's going on? - Höx is greeting the press.
Go on inside, Troels! Go in and warm yourself.
Bloody hell You can't tell who's chairman and vice-chairman.
What the devil is he up to? Höx could have toppled Marrot several times, but every time he holds back and says he supports him.
Kim, do something.
This is demeaning.
Don't worry.
Just wait until we open the door.
Hans Christian Thorsen, is there a war going on in the Worker's Party? Stick to the deal, okay? [press shouting.]
Birgitte Nyborg! - Are you waiting for someone? - Not at all.
- Good morning.
- [press.]
Good morning.
Birgitte Nyborg, it's still unclear how you will finance the welfare package.
Can you tell us something? That would rather take the edge off of tomorrow's press conference.
See you then.
[laughs.]
- Good luck.
- [Birgitte.]
Thanks.
Do you know, when they're done? At three p.
m.
Is the issue of the foreign minister's receipts on the agenda? I didn't know there was an issue about his receipts.
Oh, you didn't? Isn't only Ekstrabladet writing about it? Birgitte Nyborg can't be pleased with the trouble with the foreign minister.
I don't think the prime minister has a comment.
So she doesn't mind Marrot spending taxpayers' money on porn and booze? Seriously.
Look, we're talking about 300 kroner.
- 330.
- Yes.
This seminar lays the foundation for the future policies of the government.
Let's raise the bar a little, shall we? So, you're proposing a triviality limit on tax-funded porn consumption? Please excuse me.
Kasper speaking.
Oh, yeah I'll fax you.
Tomorrow, yes.
So I know there's no one on the line.
You never mute your phone.
Call you back, okay? I'm not sure it's a good thing we know each other so well.
Well, it's good for me.
Please save me from that strange trainee they saddled me with.
The one you spoke with before? He must be the most ignorant "photographer" I ever had to work with.
What's in it for me? - A tip.
- What about? Höxenhaven and Thorsen seemed very brotherly when they met this morning.
Is that so? And my photographer, Kalle, saw them late last night at the group offices of the Worker's Party.
That doesn't have to be strange.
Except Thorsen has always been one of Marrot's allies in the party.
[phone ringing.]
Hi, baby.
- All set? - Sure thing.
I saw there was a minibar in the rooms.
You think Marrot can stay away from it? If there are any adult channels on TV, he's going to go berserk.
Thanks.
[indistinct chattering.]
[indistinct chattering.]
- [Birgitte.]
Hello, everyone.
- Hello.
First, I'd like to welcome you all.
I truly hope you are all ready to all drop the drama, so we can focus on the important issues.
We are laying the foundations for something that for once goes beyond our term in office.
I assume you've all read our proposal.
But before we start, foreign minister Bjørn Marrot wants to say a few words.
Thank you.
As most of you have probably seen there is a lot of talk about me in the press.
Well, some stories aren't about me, but about more important issues.
Specifically that the chairman of LO and several of the labor union's economists have found ways on how we might after all phase out early retirement over time.
So I think we may just find a solution for that problem.
It sounds a little like the unions control the government.
I have the floor, Pernille! Of course the labour unions don't dictate our policies.
There are nonetheless, historically speaking, close ties between them and us.
[Pernille.]
Maybe too close.
What are you trying to say, Pernille? Everyone knows that your history with the union fosters a great loyalty in you.
But you've wavered back and forth on this issue.
First, you want to phase out early retirement, then you don't, and then perhaps you do.
Excuse me for trying to find a decent solution for a complicated problem.
What Pernille is aiming at is that in the end this isn't about the union movement, but about every Danish citizen.
They should be our main concern.
All Danish citizens aren't white-collar workers and academics like you and Pernille.
There are people in need in our society, who Who we used to care about in this party! You're talking about a Denmark that no longer exists, Bjørn.
What? I think the people you talk about could get by on disability retirement and rehabilitation.
Your relationship to early retirement is of a sentimental nature, because you helped get it passed.
There is nothing sentimental about caring for those in need.
Fine, we'll shelve it for now.
But I must tell you, many in the party disagree with your stance on this issue.
It's out of touch with the times, the state finances or public opinion.
How about a show of party discipline, if you please? Right, Thorsen? No, I don't think so, Bjørn.
You're on your own on this one.
This sounds like a talk for another time.
But it also concerns the prime Who do you think you are? Who the bloody hell do you think you are? Where the hell is your respect? What the hell are you playing at? - You think I'll just roll over? - Stop.
Sit down.
Shut it! I'm not the fat class clown you can all stab in the back.
- Bjørn - Where the hell is your solidarity? Where the hell is your respect? I'm your chairman, damn it! Bjørn, sit down.
Will you please sit down, Bjørn? Sit down in your chair.
Okay? Do as she says.
I'd like to apologise on behalf of the Worker's Party, but I think we need a couple of hours alone to sort this out.
Let's calm down.
We're here to discuss the government's policy on absolutely vital areas.
We have a tight schedule.
This is what we'll do: Let's take a breath of fresh air.
Some ocean air to clear our minds.
And then let's meet again and focus on the issues at hand.
Birgitte, listen.
We need a couple of hours.
I'm sorry.
Then we'll let the Worker's Party sort this out, while the rest of us leave.
Thank you.
[waves gently crashing.]
- [knocking.]
- Yes.
Something's up.
The press is crowding around outside.
- It's only been 40 minutes.
- I know.
from the government seminar at Tisvildeleje.
A short while ago, chairman of the Worker's Party Bjørn Marrot resigned for personal reasons.
The parliamentary group has voted to elect Troels Höxenhaven as acting chairman until the party can hold an extraordinary congress as soon as possible, - Great timing.
- within the next three weeks [reporter.]
Did Höxenhaven topple Marrot? Troels Höxenhaven will hold a press conference later today where you can all ask questions.
Does Höxenhaven want to be prime minister? [Pernille.]
No comments, although historically, of course, the chairman of the Worker's Party is always a candidate for that post.
[indistinct chattering.]
There goes the government seminar, officially.
I've got to get out of here, now.
We'll inform the press that we'll give the Worker's Party time to gather themselves, so we'll postpone the seminar until after their congress.
Excuse me, but did they just challenge me as prime minister? - [knocking.]
- Yes? I do apologize.
Why did you inform the press before me? It was already out.
So we chose to set it straight before they began guessing.
What are you playing at, Troels? Birgitte, it was never anyone's intention to ruin this seminar.
But you did anyway.
I'm going to inform the press that the seminar is off, so you can pick up the pieces.
- And then I'm going home.
- Thank you.
That's very considerate of you.
Obviously, the party is pretty fragile right now.
I'm not happy, I'll tell you that.
But you should know, I'm all for reforming early retirement if I'm elected at the congress.
I hope you remember our conversation after the bugging affair? We overcame our differences, because we're professionals.
I expect you to be professional in your new position.
Yes, of course.
But not quite like Bjørn Marrot.
At least Bjørn was loyal, Höx.
And that's a quality I value as prime minister.
Remember that.
Sure.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
[Katrine.]
What do you think of today's events? It's a very regrettable situation.
But, Birgitte Nyborg, will it affect the seminar? I assure you that the government seminar will be held as soon as the Worker's Party has dealt with their issues.
That's all from me.
Troels Höxenhaven's press conference is later today.
[Katrine.]
Birgitte Nyborg, will this result in a reshuffle of ministers? Bjørn? Are you okay, Bjørn? Yes.
Do you remember when you said I wasn't a leader? Well, I didn't mean You were right.
I'm no leader.
Maybe not, but you didn't deserve this.
I got this when I was an apprentice welder.
If anyone had said back then that I'd end up as the Danish foreign minister, I'd have laughed at them.
You have a lot to be proud of, Bjørn.
Yes, I've gotten the most out of my political talent.
Do you remember that LO chairman who said in his farewell speech: "Ours is one hell of a victory.
"? We had no more needs to meet.
We'd just passed the early retirement bill.
And all the people who'd been living in tenements with outhouses now lived in a house of their own.
Who would have guessed that I was the last worker in the Worker's Party? Here's to Bjørn.
He'll get back on his feet, even though he took a fall.
He's got lots of options.
He's got his old craft to fall back on.
- He's got his summerhouse.
- True.
It's not like it is the first regicide in Danish history.
And I bet it won't be the last either.
Can I have a cigarette? Remember when you could smoke without freezing to death? Thanks.
Why are you still here? Your minister's gone home.
I need to talk to some important people and keep an eye on the Worker's Party.
What important people? You, for instance.
I'll have to try to influence you into not writing that this will harm the government.
[laughing.]
- That's going to cost you.
- I bet.
That's perfect.
The Worker's Party is picking up the tab tonight.
Here we are at some boring course facility, in the middle of nowhere, and the entire government seminar was one big turd.
And the revolutionary Worker's Party And now that everything is over, our young photographer finally shows some initiative.
Alright.
Let's have your sharp analysis.
Did Höx plan this all along? I hear the craziest rumors.
Does it make sense, what I told you about Höx and Thorsen? Yeah, but I don't want to talk politics.
Don't you feel well? [laughing.]
Do you remember when we stayed at that hotel? By the sea in Brittany? - Yes.
- You remember? We had the best lobster ever.
And those gross sea snails you insisted on ordering.
[laughing.]
And then we went to our room and had totally incredible sex.
No You're wrong.
We got into a fight.
Well, it was an incredible fight then.
Alright I think it's time to say goodnight.
It sure is.
Good night, Katrine.
[typing.]
[phone ringing.]
- Hi, Phillip.
- No, mom, it's Laura.
My battery's dead.
Hi, honey.
Is something wrong.
Do you want me to come get you? No, everything's fine.
What's Magnus doing up this late? We've just been playing Pictionary.
[indistinct chattering.]
And me and Cecilie cooked up a Mexican dinner.
And she's really, really nice.
Well, that's great.
Hey, Magnus, that's against the rules.
Anyway, I just called to ask if we can stay at Dad's until Tuesday? We've got tickets for the theater on Monday.
Yes, of course you can.
Is anything wrong? No, I'm just coming down with a cold.
But that's great, sweetie.
You'd better get back to the others.
Say hi from me.
Okay, bye.
Bye.
[indistinct chattering.]
It's been a long day.
[ice cubs clinking.]
[tapping.]
[knocking.]
[panting.]
Are you sure this is a good idea? [sighs.]
And are you sure you can keep a secret? [camera clicking.]
[camera clicking.]