Borgen (2010) s04e04 Episode Script
The Minister Doesn’t Wish to Comment
1
A NETFLIX SERIES
"HOW ON EARTH ARE YOU GOING TO MANAGE
IN GREAT BIG DENMARK?"
-NIVIAQ KORNELIUSSEN, BLOMSTERDALEN
Er Munk, Friis.
It's time.
Close the door behind you.
Okay, it's super important to follow a strict plan on this.
We'll break the story as a text message on all platforms at 1 p.
m.
So let's go over the plan.
Well, Benjamin's lining up all the party leaders at Christiansborg.
Then we'll show them the text.
We have to expect strong reactions.
It's clear-cut proof that she has lied to the Foreign Policy Committee.
We'll post them online regularly.
We'll post their reactions and invite Nyborg to the studio at six.
Er can you give us five minutes? Thanks.
I find it really hard to see how Nyborg can get out of this one.
Yeah, it'll be interesting to hear how she'll defend herself.
- Shall I call her? - What? No, that's a great call to make.
I'll do it.
Actually, considering my relationship to Birgitte, er, I think it makes sense for me to do it.
THE MINISTER DOES NOT WISH TO COMMEN - Birgitte.
- Okay, well I want you to meet Nina, our new ministerial secretary.
- Lovely to meet you.
- Likewise.
I've been looking forward to working for you.
- Regitze from legal - I've got that.
Er, we have to talk about Jon Berthelsen first.
It's important.
Okay.
Thanks.
Thank you.
You don't like the new personal secretary much? Jon has requested an emergency meeting.
Emergency? It will be at 2 p.
m.
and there is just one item on the agenda.
You changing your stance.
What? I didn't change my stance on the oil.
It's their wording in the notification.
Oliver, we don't accept their version of the matter.
Then it becomes the truth.
You just write that I will be happy to discuss how we shall respond to the fact that Greenlanders are now insisting that we exploit the oil.
Yeah.
It's Katrine Fønsmark.
It's probably because the news wants to run the same story.
So we'll let her wait for a bit.
She'll probably call you in a moment.
Say I'm in a meeting and I'll get back to her.
Look, there she is already.
Yes.
- Oliver Hjorth.
- This is Katrine Fønsmark.
I'd like to speak to Birgitte Nyborg.
It's important.
The minister is in a meeting.
I was once the person who took Birgitte's phone when she didn't want to, and believe me, this is a call she'll want to take.
I'm sorry, but the minister is very busy.
Is there anything I can do? Well, you know what? You can give my regards to the minister, and tell her I have a text message sent from your phone which shows she was aware that Gamov was one of the owners of the oil company before the meeting with the Foreign Policy Committee.
- Do you understand what I'm telling you? - Yeah.
TV1 has proof that Birgitte Nyborg has violated the Accountability Act.
That's illegal.
It could cost her her job.
It was from your phone.
Yeah, I'll tell the minister.
I think you should do that.
Tell her that the story will go live at 1 p.
m.
, and we will give the other party leaders the opportunity to comment.
Then she can consider if she has time to come on the six o'clock news to explain.
Is that a deal? I'll tell her.
What did Nyborg say? Er, she didn't have time to talk to me.
So I delivered the good news to her personal secretary.
Okay.
But she'll come in at six? Yes, of course she will.
Once she sees how serious the situation is.
Well, then I'll tell Narciza.
Is Narciza hosting at six? Er, yeah.
It wasn't convincing the last time she had Nyborg in the studio.
But Nyborg came with her own agenda which we knew nothing about.
I mean, we were all surprised.
Yeah, but then it's the main job of a news anchor not to lose focus even if you get surprised.
Yes, but Narciza is hosting the six o'clock news.
Can't we give it to Mikkel? Katrine, we have a schedule, and we simply Yeah.
And, Pia, schedules are good and practical.
But if they start to compromise the quality of our programmes they are of no use, right? But listen, you don't have to worry.
I'll talk to Narciza.
- Yes? - Okay? Sure.
I just don't think she'll be pleased.
No, but we'll figure it out.
Why is it that we keep having to meet at Hans's house? Well, it is his office when he's here in Ilulissat.
You're not getting a face tattoo.
My great-grandma couldn't.
And that's why I want them! It's important! You don't even remember your great-grandmother.
You don't get to decide this! It's none of your business! Oh, this is bullshit! Sorry about that.
It's okay, Hans.
- Shall we begin? - Yeah.
Nyborg went through the wringer in the media.
Will she make it? Yes, she will.
Now that she has changed her stance on the oil project, I assume you've made sure that nobody will try to unseat her.
Well, I'm certainly glad that we can get started on the second round of negotiations.
We've spent plenty of time discussing the pros and cons.
Now we can discuss realities.
Time schedules.
Money.
I have made a proposal.
Denmark's annual block grant to Greenland is at 3.
9 billion.
As soon as that oil revenue increases, we will phase out the block grant.
And once it is phased out, we are economically independent.
And then all of the oil revenue will belong to Greenland.
And then all of the oil revenue will belong to Greenland.
Hans, are you sure this is the official policy of the Greenlandic government? Okay, look.
It's one thing you've come to an agreement on exploiting the oil.
But it is no secret that you're part of a coalition.
And while your own party wants independence, the Premier's wants the opposite.
She wants to be affiliated with Denmark.
Do you agree? Both the Premier and the entire government supports this proposal.
- Hi, Asger.
- Is it a bad time? No, I'm going to a party meeting.
I'm standing in Hans Eliassen's utility room again.
We have to change strategy.
They have a completely new agenda.
They want it all.
And the Premier is on their side.
But that's complete madness.
Yes.
But we have to change gears, and it has to happen somewhat quickly.
It would be best if you could come up here.
- I can't do that right now.
- No, I know.
So I propose that you invite them to Copenhagen.
Respectfully and as equal partners.
We simply have to get you to be a part of these negotiations, and then you and I will have to do a "good cop/bad cop" routine.
And I'm the bad cop? No, you're just a slightly more important cop.
Hi, everyone.
- Hi.
- I'm sorry.
It's okay, Birgitte.
We've just sat down.
- We were just talking about - Me? I know this has been a turbulent time for the party and our political strategy.
Turbulent? I'm the Climate Minister, and during the last few days you have made a complete U-turn on the oil in Greenland.
It's the official government policy.
It has become official policy because you let yourself be pressured into it.
The government would've been met by a vote of no confidence.
It'd be more correct to say that you would have been met by a vote of no confidence.
And where would that have left us? I would have resigned and you, Jon, would've taken over the Foreign Ministry.
Or should I have pulled the New Democrats out of the government? Meaning a general election before we'd been in power for 100 days.
Well, our constituencies are puzzled as well.
Yes, I had to speak to my chairman for hours yesterday.
But you have to control your constituency.
You call your chairman and shut the matter down.
That's the end of it.
Birgitte, we're here because we believe in something after all.
Thanks, Jon.
Climate is a core issue in the policy that got us elected.
- And our constituents - I'm sorry, I'm gonna stop you there.
As the Minister for Climate and Energy, you know perfectly well that the global oil consumption is rising because many countries have a growing middle class which wants to lead the life we're living.
- But, Birgi - Wait, Jon.
Then there is Greenland who has control of their own natural resources.
Jon, you know that as Justice Minister.
So we're not able to stop them from exploiting the oil.
You know that.
So what I have basically been guilty of is accepting the state of affairs.
I agree with Birgitte on this one.
I think we can do more for the climate by having a seat at the table, and influencing Greenland and the international players to include climate in the negotiations.
Well, I'm sorry this can only be a short meeting.
Thank you very much.
Yeah.
Well, we accomplished a lot.
Yes, it's just to tighten the story up.
Narciza? Sorry to disturb you.
Can I have a word? Thanks.
Yeah? I would like to move you to the 9:30 news tonight if you're able to do that.
Erm how come? Birgitte Nyborg is coming in at six, and I think it would be better if it's not the same interviewer.
We've done that plenty of times.
I had the head of the National Council in the studio twice last week.
True, but this is Birgitte Nyborg who is in the middle of a serious crisis, and I think we have a special editorial responsibility.
I'm sorry, but we have completely fixed schedules.
We never change them regardless of who's the guest.
Your last interview with her wasn't fantastic.
Okay.
So that's what you really wanted to say.
What was the problem with that interview? You were face-to-face with a politician changing her stance on live television, and you didn't question it.
She changed the topic.
She had an agenda nobody knew about.
And it is your job as an interviewer to stay on point.
Instead you changed the topic and began to talk about Greenland's independence.
You handed her the damn interview.
This evening is a very special evening.
Birgitte Nyborg might have to step down, and in my judgement it would be psychologically better that she is facing an anchor she hasn't been pulling around by the nose.
I mean, if this was a football match I would say you played the first half, you didn't score.
- We're going with another striker.
- I didn't score? And what happens if I won't accept this? - I'm asking you as your boss - No, you're moving me, as my boss, from one show to another because of alleged incompetence.
- Okay, do we really have to take it - Yes, we do.
Okay, then we'll do that.
This is my decision, and I'm sorry you don't agree.
End of discussion.
Goddammit, we never send something like that in a text.
You only handle something like that over the phone.
Yeah.
This is not an optimal situation.
"This is not an optimal situation" is just diplomat-speak for "this is a catastrophe".
I know that I can get fired for this.
I can't be making this kind of mistake and work at the Foreign Ministry.
God! I mean, if I count high school, I have spent half my life trying to get here and I haven't had any summer vacations because I've been going to summer school while at university, and I was number one in my class just like you probably were.
Yeah, I was number two.
And then it was a text.
I'll get the minister.
Get a grip, okay? Birgitte, I just want you to know I feel terrible that You're still my secretary, and I'm still the minister.
There's no majority against me.
Send an email to TV1 News.
"The minister does not wish to comment.
" "She has already explained the matter, and a majority in Parliament apparently agrees.
" And you and I have to look at how to split the potential oil revenue.
There, Oliver.
It's politics.
It moves fast.
Move on, okay? - Yeah.
- Bye.
Jens Jakob, I'm giving you a minister who is obviously lying, yeah? Right? I mean, there is proof.
Yes.
And the best you can give me is that she's got a slap on the wrist? I'll talk to you later.
What's up? I think we can question if there's an opposition in the country at the moment.
The Liberals can't be bothered to reopen the case against Nyborg now the majority is supporting the oil.
And Nyborg doesn't wish to comment.
- What? - You haven't seen the email? - No.
- No? "The minister does not wish to comment.
" "She has already explained the matter, and a majority in parliament apparently agrees.
" - That's a problem.
- That's what I'm trying to say.
Yeah, but I don't mean that.
I mean that it's an extremely dangerous new tendency.
Those political games in Parliament is one thing, but that a minister dares to answer in an email that she has no comment in such a serious matter, that's unacceptable! No, it's not.
It's really not.
I think we should look into this.
How often do Danish ministers respond by email now compared to 10, 15 years ago? My guess is that it is much more often.
It wasn't especially common when Nyborg was the prime minister, but in Kragh's government it seems to be the norm.
That's a huge problem for our democracy.
- What are you doing? - It's great stuff.
If we can't get any statements from the opposition, maybe we can get one from the government.
I'm calling Nyborg's boss.
And I'm gonna say exactly what you just said.
This is Friis.
Hi, Niels Erik.
Do you have two minutes? This is the one o'clock news.
TV1 has obtained text messages which show that Birgitte Nyborg was aware of the Russian owners of the company digging for oil in Greenland shortly before she denied any knowledge to the Foreign Policy Committee.
It looked different to the one you showed me before.
Didn't it? Yes.
The Chinese embassy wants to schedule a meeting.
- Do we know what it's about? - I'm on it.
I'll call them.
Er, and TV1 just broke the news about you.
Yes, I saw it.
It was exactly like I said.
They only have one indignant comment from Solidaric Unity.
You still don't think you ought to get a press adviser? - It's under control.
- Before it's too late.
Listen, I've just emailed the Prime Minister.
"Dear Signe.
" "You have probably seen the story about me right now.
" "I just want to inform you that I have talked to the opposition, and they have no interest in reopening the case.
" "All is good.
Love, Birgitte.
" From: Signe Kragh - Thanks for the email.
Stop by my office early, please? Love, S.
- Just go in.
- Thanks.
Did you know that I have always looked up to you? You were my number one idol.
I remember when you presented your first government in front of the royal palace.
I thought, "That woman is doing it right.
" "I want to be like that.
" - Oh.
- Yes.
But when I get a call from TV1 News and I'm told that you have answered a journalist by email that you don't wish to comment on the matter, I am seriously worried what kind of signal this government is sending.
Well, it's probably sending the signal its boss thinks it should send.
You said at a cabinet meeting right after we took power that you would like us to send more written replies because you wanted more control over communication.
But not to the extent that it makes us look undemocratic, Birgitte.
Undemocratic? Yes.
What do you call your attempt to place Michael Laugesen in a key position, one of your closest friends, with no regard to voters, Parliament or the government? Well, nothing came of it, as you know, Birgitte.
And I can tell you that my friendship with Laugesen is definitively over.
And did the media make sure of that? No, they didn't.
But my own Foreign Minister did.
So this is actually payback? Can't you see that there is no reason to comment any more? There is no case.
Parliament has confidence in me.
Yes, but sometimes a minister should also consider other people's confidence.
Such as that of the Danish people and mine.
And I would like you to go on the news tonight and explain yourself.
We don't have time for all this.
Without Nyborg, it'll be short.
It's a damn good story.
Denmark has a murderer in Greenland drilling for oil.
Isn't that a great story? Well, Nyborg is coming after all.
- Great.
- That's great.
Run the full package.
Katrine.
Listen, I have to tell you that I find it very weird to be taking Narciza's show from her.
Okay.
I can understand that.
But it is my decision, and I've explained my reasons to Narciza.
I think it would better serve us not to have the same anchor interview the minister on the same matter several days in a row.
Sure, and I understand that.
But I Hi.
I'm sorry to bother you.
I'm Lone Jacobsen.
I'm from HR.
We're actually under a bit of pressure right now, Lone, because we're planning the main story for six o'clock.
Can it wait? That is actually what I want to discuss with you.
And maybe we shouldn't discuss it in the middle of an open-plan office.
Of course.
Er, let's go into the kitchen I'll be back.
I just talked to one of your other anchors, Narciza Aydin, who tells me that according to the schedule she is hosting the six o'clock news, but you have informed her that she is not doing that show because you don't find her qualified to conduct a specific interview.
Correct? Yeah, it's more or less correct, even though it's probably Narciza's spin.
Okay.
She has contacted the Danish Union of Journalists.
So we have an obligation to pursue the case.
Okay.
Er, I have to say that it is a complete overreaction.
I swapped two anchors.
There is simply nothing weird about that.
But I have heard what you're saying.
Thank you for telling me.
Now, I simply have to move on with my programme.
Signe Kragh do you still have confidence in Birgitte Nyborg after the news breaking on TV1 earlier today? I have confidence in all my ministers, and I know she'll speak to the press later.
And I'm certain she will address the matter to everyone's satisfaction so we can all get back to work.
It hasn't been possible to get a comment from Birgitte Nyborg, but we managed to get hold of the deputy party leader of the New Democrats, Jon Berthelsen, for a comment.
And, Jon Berthelsen, how do you respond to the tangible evidence that Nyborg has withheld important information from the Foreign Policy Committee? Yes, well, I can't comment on that at the moment for good reasons No comments, Jon.
And off you go.
But, Jon, you're the Justice Minister of this country.
This ought to have consequences for Nyborg, right? Well, it so happens that we have a central legal principle in this country which states that you're innocent until proven guilty.
Don't comment at all, Jon.
If Nyborg is forced to step down, are you then ready to take over as party leader? It's the nature of things that the deputy leader is ready to take over if the leader steps down.
- Oh, you are, are you? - Thank you, Jon Berthelsen.
I'm obviously shocked to learn that a person like Mikhail Gamov Not "shocked".
For a person like Mikhail Yes? - Hi.
- Yeah? I called the Greenlandic Permanent Secretary to pressure them to come to Copenhagen to negotiate.
It's fine.
Have we heard back from the American ambassador? He's busy all day and can't make it.
Unbelievable! Even when you're the one calling? - They know what it is you want.
- And what do I want? You want the United States to help you explain to the news that they asked you to withhold information about Gamov.
That is not going to happen.
They will never reveal their security policies to help out a Danish minister who is in trouble.
TV1 asked if you'll come early.
And the Chinese embassy has once again asked for a meeting.
Ugh, I don't want to have a meeting with the Chinese ambassador.
I want to talk to the American one.
Thank you, Oliver.
I'll call them.
Are you getting anything to eat? - Shall I bring you some food? - I'm not hungry.
Okay.
What will you say on the news? Well, it's completely ridiculous that the Prime Minister insists that I go on the news when Parliament supports me.
But they won't if I have to be responsible for a deal with a Russian criminal.
And you don't think I can talk to the Americans, so what do you really think I should say? I'm the permanent secretary.
I run this ministry.
And now I really think you should get a special adviser, or hire someone that you can use that tone with.
Do you want Do you want a cup of coffee? No, no, thanks.
Er, but thank you for taking the time.
Yes, of course.
It's just a formality so we can close the case.
You were one of the last people to see Malik alive.
Yes.
He, er He drove me out to the drilling site once, and then then we hung out a bit afterwards.
Did you notice anything in particular about him? No.
He seemed like a nice guy.
Erm I know that he missed the Navy.
He met one of his former colleagues who was in town.
- Did he seem upset? - No.
- Or depressed? - No, I don't think so.
Maybe How do I put it? Down on his luck? He, erm He said that he had more luck with the ladies back in the day.
And I think he smoked a joint once in a while.
Hmm.
It makes sense.
Then I think we can close this one.
Excuse me.
What makes sense? Well, he was thrown out of the Navy, and his marriage had fallen apart, and he spent a lot more money than he made.
And in the end he couldn't cope any more.
Suicide.
Far too many young men choose that way out.
Greenland has the highest suicide rate in the world.
It's tragic.
Hi, Tanja.
My mum and dad are idiots.
It's been a hundred years since Malik was in the Navy.
This wasn't what he looked like at all.
I think parents are like that.
This was how Malik was.
It's a nice photo.
It's completely unbearable to think that such a nice young man ends up taking his own life.
It's so typical of you Danes to say something like that.
"Greenlanders commit suicide and drink.
" What if it wasn't suicide? I'm sorry.
That wasn't what I meant at all.
Malik would never do such a thing.
- I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
- Don't touch me.
- Don't you think you ought to - Can't you just leave? - You'll get cold.
- Go! Can't you just leave now? He was my brother! - I'm sorry.
- Leave me alone! I'm sorry.
I didn't mean it like that.
Er, no.
Just get out of here! Go! NYBORG KNEW ABOUT RUSSIAN CONNECTION We have called you, Maria Lottrup, political editor at Jyllands-Posten.
The café we went to in Brooklyn when you were here.
Should Nyborg look for another job? Unless she can pull an unusually large rabbit out of her hat, it's hard to imagine a top politician and current minister survive a case where there is concrete evidence that she has lied to one of the Parliament's most powerful committees and thereby to Parliament itself and ultimately to the people of Denmark.
Would you wait a minute! Sorry, I just need two seconds.
I just spoke to the Chinese embassy, and I think you ought to have a quick word with the ambassador.
What about? They won't give any details, but they said it was about the current political situation.
We never hear the Chinese say anything like that.
And furthermore the ambassador will be here in five minutes.
Mr Ambassador, what a surprise.
My apologies to the Foreign Minister for the urgency.
Oh, there's no need for that.
I have some information that I'm certain the minister would want to be made aware of before her appearance on the news.
It is about Greenland.
About Greenland? We need to call an emergency meeting in the Foreign Policy Committee as soon as possible.
- Say 4:45 p.
m.
That'll give 'em two hours.
- I'll do it.
Good.
Oliver, will you ask TV1 News to put my interview at the end of the show? I can't make it for six o'clock, but I'll make it for 6:20.
- Yep.
- Thanks.
Rasmus, brief the Prime Minister's office that there's critical news in the oil case.
It's not like the Secretary to the Foreign Minister to come to the PM's office at such short notice.
Relations between our ministers have been a bit cool.
Maybe because your minister sometimes chooses to pass confidential information directly on to the media.
- We're trying to make up.
- Good.
It seems that things are about to get very cold in Greenland, and you won't like it.
Where's the bloody fire? Well, thank you so much for coming at such short notice.
- Did we have a choice? - No.
- Can I talk to you? - Yeah.
Okay, she'll be here soon.
Your mantra is just "stick to your guns," okay? Stick to your guns.
She's a master of diversions.
This isn't about foreign policy or whatever else she might come up with.
This is about her breaking the law.
She still has the support of a majority.
But she is Birgitte Nyborg, and it goes against her image to be the type of politician who lies and shirks responsibility.
Hi, Narciza.
Didn't we have an agreement? I don't know that we had.
It was my show.
But I just wanted to stop by to reassure Mikkel that there was no hard feelings.
Thanks.
That is really sweet of you to come and support your colleague.
To me, it looks like a demonstration which can only make Mikkel and everyone involved nervous, and you know what? It's disloyal.
You remove me from a show, and I'm the one being disloyal? Can I stop you? We're live in a minute and a half.
- Do you think you can - Of course.
- Give him time to concentrate.
Shall we? - Yes, thanks.
Thank you, Narciza.
Stick to your guns.
Stick to your guns.
TV1 has acquired documentation that the Russian citizen Mikhail Gamov is owner of the company that wants to extract oil in Greenland.
He has close ties to the Russian president and has been linked to an assassination attempt on a leader of the Russian opposition.
Furthermore, he will be on the EU's sanction list because he is suspected of being part of extensive money laundering.
Birgitte Nyborg, at a meeting with the Foreign Policy Committee last week you were asked if Mikhail Gamov was involved in the oil company in Greenland.
And you answered no to that question.
But earlier today TV1 revealed that you knew that Gamov is a co-owner and that you had begun to seek further information about him.
Is that right? Only partially correct.
The fact of the matter is that when it comes to international concerns of this size, it can be incredibly difficult to discover something which may sound as simple as knowing the owners.
Ah, Birgitte Nyborg, the name has to be in the contract.
Actually, that's not the case, Mikkel.
You have to go through several holding companies and concerns before you reach anything that can be linked to Gamov.
And at the meeting with the Foreign Policy Committee I still didn't have the full overview of the owners, - and therefore I thought - I have to interrupt you here.
You're denying that Gamov is the co-owner of the oil company? Yes, I am, as a matter of fact.
He and every single Russian company has been bought out by a Chinese equity fund.
China? Holy shit.
Don't let her off the hook, Mikkel.
Come on.
Then why didn't you just say that he had been a co-owner? Because I didn't want to raise suspicion and fear unnecessarily.
Just look at your segment.
As a news outlet, you naturally focus on the drama.
A scary Russian who might kill members of the opposition.
It's a good story.
And that's your job.
My job as a minister is primarily to contribute to a true story.
We were still finding who owned what, and that's why I chose not to mention it until we had all the facts.
But you're sitting with your colleagues on the Foreign Policy Committee.
It's the most confidential room at Christiansborg.
You don't think they would've been able to handle the information about Mikhail Gamov? The meetings are confidential.
Well, apparently not more confidential than you inviting me here to discuss details about what was said at a confidential meeting.
I had every reason to believe that the information could be leaked.
Or what do you think? Best to let the Foreign Policy Committee reply to that, so let's leave that question.
Birgitte Nyborg, thank you for coming.
Annoying.
Her Chinese trumps our Russians.
Don't they? Tweet: Competent @NarcizaAydin removed for "incompetence"?! Tweet: Feminist leaders make me sick! Tweet: Is @TV1News changing? Long day? Yeah.
Cheers.
Cheers.
- What are we celebrating? - That you still have a job.
- Would you have fired me? - Nah.
You can become a good personal secretary, and I have a feeling you will want to prove that after today.
You move quickly, but I think you can move even quicker.
I have a lot to learn from you.
Who knows.
Maybe I can learn something from you as well.
No, I doubt it.
Perhaps how to tie a tie properly.
- Yes.
- What's wrong with my tie? It's too wide.
It's too loose and too wide.
It's like a granddad's tie.
So what's that, eh? This is a Windsor knot.
A very tight Windsor.
Sometimes it's a four-in-hand.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Absolutely no one cares about my tie.
Yeah.
I could be wearing the tie of a gas station attendant, and nobody would notice it.
- Wanna bet? - Yeah.
Five hundred kroner.
On Monday I'll have done something completely hideous with my tie.
- Er - No one will notice it.
And I think they will.
Five hundred kroner.
From: Asger Holm Kirkegaard Ready to negotiate.
I sent you an email.
Caption - Today we start oil negotiations with Greenland A bar? No, thanks.
I don't like them.
Taste like sawdust.
Remember to tag Hans Eliassen and their government.
Tag what? - Yeah.
Shall I? Shall I do it? - Mm-hmm.
I can show you.
Like that.
- Mm-hmm.
- And here.
It's done.
Well, the American ambassador has asked for a meeting as quickly as possible.
Oh, so now he'd like to talk to me.
Yes, after you've told the world that the Chinese are drilling for oil in Greenland.
And CNN, The Washington Post and The Guardian have picked up the story as well.
Er, Channel 2 has found out that your son was part of hijacking the pig transporter.
I'll send you a link.
NYBORG'S SON COULD GO TO JAIL It's not a big story yet, but maybe we should try to postpone negotiations with Greenland? No.
What are you thinking? He can deal with that himself.
I'm at work.
Birgitte, mind your tone.
I know.
Can the three of us make a deal that if you feel that I'm then you give me a heads-up? - That's a deal.
- Thanks.
Christ, that tie is ugly.
It's hideous.
But nobody pays any attention.
You owe me 500.
You can just wire it to me straight away.
Rasmus, by the way Er, that tie.
Take it off.
Hi.
Hi.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Good to meet you.
Was the flight okay? Yes, it was.
- Is all good? - Yes.
Yes.
Sorry.
The international press is quite interested in China.
- So is the Greenlandic press.
- Welcome.
- My permanent secretary.
- Lovely to meet you.
Emmy Rasmussen.
Head of the Premier's department.
- Nice to meet you all.
- You too.
- That's lovely.
- Thanks.
- Yeah.
Shall we sit down? - Yes.
- Would you like a sandwich? - No, thank you.
- No, thanks.
- No, thanks.
They don't look exciting.
I'm really glad you had the opportunity to come down here.
Section 10 of the Home Rule Act states clearly that there needs to be a negotiation between the Greenlandic government and the Danish state about the division of revenue from natural resources in Greenland.
- Yes, I'd like - You'll get time to speak, Hans.
I understand from Asger that after the block grant is phased out, you would want all the revenue for Greenland.
And not to oversimplify this, but basically we're dividing a cake.
And what you are saying, Hans, is that you want all the cake.
That's because it's our cake.
Maybe we should take a look at how big that cake actually is.
Yes.
An optimistic estimate based on current oil prices is a total value of around 2,000 billion kroner.
That's a big cake.
That's not the revenue, that's the total value of the entire field.
And then 80% goes to the oil company.
No, that's not completely true.
The company's share will fall drastically as soon as their first investment is recouped.
He means section 17 in the permit.
Well, even a conservative estimate would give you 1,000 billion, which is the same as the current block grant for 250 years, or giving every single living Greenlander 17.
8 million kroner.
Yes, but that is money we need to secure our independence.
Yes, and then what are you going to do when you run out of oil? When the entire world drives electric cars? When this deal was made in 2009, it was decided that Greenland and Denmark should negotiate because Greenland wasn't ready to sever ties with Denmark.
- But we are now.
- Yes, your party, Hans.
Independence isn't your government's official policy.
I know that some in Greenland feel that Denmark have been treating you very poorly, and are fighting to be decolonised, but I can inform you that there are members of the Danish Parliament who don't agree with that at all, and I also represent them.
Yes, but we're not teenagers asking permission to move away from home.
We have moved.
You just need to show us that you have faith in us to take care of ourselves.
But you can't.
What would happen if we left tomorrow? It's no secret that most of your public administration is being supplied by Denmark.
But that is the way Denmark keeps us dependent.
Oh, just stop.
Do I have to mention how many political scandals there's been in Greenland through the years? Misconduct, nepotism, corruption.
We're getting that under control.
We don't necessarily have to use Danish solutions to our Greenlandic problems.
Fine, so let's talk when you have a handle on the suicide rate, alcohol abuse and widespread sexual abuse.
Birgitte, I have to say that today we are talking about oil.
- So maybe we should focus on that.
- Yes, let's do that.
Do you know who I'm dealing with on your behalf? The US.
Russia.
China.
We don't have the same problems with China as you have.
No, that's because you're so naive, Hans.
You're sitting on an island the size of Western Europe.
You don't even have as big a population as the town of Vejle.
What is it you want? To be an independent Arctic Bahrain? You'll end up being tossed back and forth between the Americans and the Chinese.
They will eat you alive! And they couldn't care less that you're an Indigenous people.
We have self-government.
Thanks to a law passed by the Danish Parliament.
And ultimately that law can be changed.
This is completely unacceptable.
Well.
Yeah.
I was just trying to open their eyes to reality.
That time you were a bit too I was unequivocal.
That's different.
I really think you should get a special adviser.
Birgitte? Okay, if I can get my minister to apologise to your minister, what would your minister say? Certainly not sorry.
That was completely uncalled for.
Yeah.
Yeah.
But I have to say, what your side is bringing Stop it.
Don't do that.
Please don't do your civil servant routine on me.
Okay.
Shall we grab something to eat? Don't do that either.
Okay.
Then I just think that my options are starting to dwindle a bit.
I really like you.
Do you know what you could learn from us? To delay gratification.
To do without.
We are rather good at it.
Hey.
Hey.
But then Nyborg suddenly changed her policy as the government as a whole decided to be in favour of exploiting the oil in Greenland.
This has led to increasing disagreement within both the party's members of Parliament and the rank and file of the party.
And now even constituency chairmen are speaking out and expressing their displeasure with Nyborg.
And one of them is you.
Agnete Brix, welcome.
You have been a member of the New Democrats from the beginning.
What do you feel is the problem with Nyborg's line? I think that many feel the special thing about Birgitte Nyborg is the fact that she has never become out of touch with her voters.
But I think her latest statements contrast sharply with that.
And I'm certainly not alone with that opinion.
No individual is greater than the party.
If the chairman starts to express points of view which are not shared by the party, I honestly think that the chairman needs to take a hard look in the mirror.
Guess I'm not that popular at the moment.
No.
I still kind of like you though.
What are your plans, Asger? Er I have to go home and prepare.
We have quite a few fires we need to put out.
Because I need to talk to my Arctic ambassador about a new negotiating mandate in regard to Greenland.
And I haven't eaten a thing since this morning except for this apple thingy.
Want to join me for dinner? Yeah.
So just you and me? Yes, and something to eat.
Right? Yep.
Yeah, yeah.
And no talk about the bickering in my party, okay? Of course.
Narciza? Well done.
Er, "well done"? Yeah, it was a good show.
And a really good live interview with the chairman.
It was on point.
So you stuck around to praise me for a completely average interview with a party chairman from Holstebro? I'd like to apologise.
Okay.
And suggest that we move on.
I really think what you did was out of line.
And you have every right to your opinion, but, er but, erm, at the end of the day I'm the boss, right? And that's it? Yeah, that's the way it is.
Yes.
That's the way it is.
So we've moved on? Absolutely.
And of course they get hold of Agnete Brix from Holstebro to stand up and rattle on about my lack of appeal.
I mean Well, that disappeared quickly.
And everybody in the party knows that she has had a crush on Jon for years.
- Jon? - Yes.
- But isn't he? - Yes.
And why does she mention Jon? Where do you think he was elected? - Holstebro.
- Hey! Do you think Jon will challenge you? Jon? No.
I made him.
No, no, no.
He doesn't have that kind of ambition.
- Jon is such a nice boy, right? - Hm.
He's a family man.
He has two straight-A girls and lives in an eco-friendly house with Brian.
And then you can't be a party leader.
No.
You have to be ready to make some very tough choices if you want to remain in this kind of job, erm Becoming prime minister cost me my my marriage and my family.
Would you have done it all again if you - had known what it would cost you? - Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Is it easier for you now that you're alone? Yeah, of course it is.
Not allowed to say that, but of course it is.
It's true.
We're never going to get a normal life.
Are we? Huh? We come home far too late, we get up far too early, and we let down far too many people we love.
But some people are just made to work and love it more than anything else.
Wouldn't you rather vote for someone who works hard than someone who picks their kids up at four? Yeah, but it's also a bit sad, right? But it's who we are.
- Right? - Ehh.
'Cause I think you're like that as well.
Excuse me, shall I take your plates? Oh, sorry.
You haven't even started yet.
No, it's fine.
Just take it.
Thank you.
That was delicious.
Well, where were we? We were talking about my boss who, erm, bombed our relationship with Greenland back to colonial times this afternoon.
Which is why I have a diplomatic task of tremendous proportions when I meet with Hans tomorrow morning at eight o'clock to go through the 74-page concession agreement which, by the way, I have to swing by the ministry to pick up, so I'd probably better get going, Birgitte.
- Go home and work! Yeah.
- Yeah.
I'll wait for the bill.
- It was fun.
- See you tomorrow.
- You will.
- Yeah.
Hi.
We're almost done.
Very good.
- Nearly there.
- Really? Cool.
Let me see.
DAD Tweet: Power-hungry bitch! @KatrineFønsmark Tweet: Poor @NarcizaAydin She has a lot of fans.
Tweet: Can @TV1News afford to fire her? Did you know that people on the internet are crazy? Mm-hmm.
And they can't spell either.
Hey! So we can't discuss this week's political events without mentioning Birgitte Nyborg.
It has been quite a rollercoaster ride for the government in the media.
How has the mood been in the New Democrats? It is really strained, to tell the truth.
Within a few days there was almost a vote of no confidence against Nyborg, and then she does a U-turn on the party line on climate policy without her constituency on board.
Yes, but can Birgitte Nyborg still rectify this? It would probably have been better if she'd chosen to step down with a bit of honour left.
Then she would also have time to take care of her activist son who seems to be in trouble with that pig transporter.
So even though she came up with a poor explanation about the Chinese and has survived in principle, she has suffered a serious loss to her personal reputation.
Listen, you're standing here and talking as if the only honourable thing to do is to resign.
Far too many people have resigned too early because they've said something wrong.
It's ridiculous.
You have to stay and fight.
I'm not paying taxes so the Foreign Minister can step down ahead of time.
It has to be the first time you're defending Birgitte Nyborg, Michael Laugesen.
Danes want credible politicians, don't they? They don't.
That's just something you say because it sounds nice.
We actually want politicians who have an incredible will to survive.
You have to be a predator to remain at the top of Danish politics.
Who do we respect for, huh? The ones who are lying in the ring bleeding while the ref is counting over their body, but who then get up and keep on fighting in the next round.
For the real political leaders, it is a battle from start to finish.
And it's the fight for power.
We are so afraid and easily offended when we talk about power in this country.
But a politician has to fight for power.
Because she has something she is fighting for and she believes in.
And I have to tell you without having the slightest bad taste in my mouth MAGNUS - MISSED CALL that for some of us, the power is more important than the cause.
Laugesen.
Birgitte Nyborg.
I was wondering if you would like to meet? Subtitle translation by: Helle Kaiser-Nielsen
It's time.
Close the door behind you.
Okay, it's super important to follow a strict plan on this.
We'll break the story as a text message on all platforms at 1 p.
m.
So let's go over the plan.
Well, Benjamin's lining up all the party leaders at Christiansborg.
Then we'll show them the text.
We have to expect strong reactions.
It's clear-cut proof that she has lied to the Foreign Policy Committee.
We'll post them online regularly.
We'll post their reactions and invite Nyborg to the studio at six.
Er can you give us five minutes? Thanks.
I find it really hard to see how Nyborg can get out of this one.
Yeah, it'll be interesting to hear how she'll defend herself.
- Shall I call her? - What? No, that's a great call to make.
I'll do it.
Actually, considering my relationship to Birgitte, er, I think it makes sense for me to do it.
THE MINISTER DOES NOT WISH TO COMMEN - Birgitte.
- Okay, well I want you to meet Nina, our new ministerial secretary.
- Lovely to meet you.
- Likewise.
I've been looking forward to working for you.
- Regitze from legal - I've got that.
Er, we have to talk about Jon Berthelsen first.
It's important.
Okay.
Thanks.
Thank you.
You don't like the new personal secretary much? Jon has requested an emergency meeting.
Emergency? It will be at 2 p.
m.
and there is just one item on the agenda.
You changing your stance.
What? I didn't change my stance on the oil.
It's their wording in the notification.
Oliver, we don't accept their version of the matter.
Then it becomes the truth.
You just write that I will be happy to discuss how we shall respond to the fact that Greenlanders are now insisting that we exploit the oil.
Yeah.
It's Katrine Fønsmark.
It's probably because the news wants to run the same story.
So we'll let her wait for a bit.
She'll probably call you in a moment.
Say I'm in a meeting and I'll get back to her.
Look, there she is already.
Yes.
- Oliver Hjorth.
- This is Katrine Fønsmark.
I'd like to speak to Birgitte Nyborg.
It's important.
The minister is in a meeting.
I was once the person who took Birgitte's phone when she didn't want to, and believe me, this is a call she'll want to take.
I'm sorry, but the minister is very busy.
Is there anything I can do? Well, you know what? You can give my regards to the minister, and tell her I have a text message sent from your phone which shows she was aware that Gamov was one of the owners of the oil company before the meeting with the Foreign Policy Committee.
- Do you understand what I'm telling you? - Yeah.
TV1 has proof that Birgitte Nyborg has violated the Accountability Act.
That's illegal.
It could cost her her job.
It was from your phone.
Yeah, I'll tell the minister.
I think you should do that.
Tell her that the story will go live at 1 p.
m.
, and we will give the other party leaders the opportunity to comment.
Then she can consider if she has time to come on the six o'clock news to explain.
Is that a deal? I'll tell her.
What did Nyborg say? Er, she didn't have time to talk to me.
So I delivered the good news to her personal secretary.
Okay.
But she'll come in at six? Yes, of course she will.
Once she sees how serious the situation is.
Well, then I'll tell Narciza.
Is Narciza hosting at six? Er, yeah.
It wasn't convincing the last time she had Nyborg in the studio.
But Nyborg came with her own agenda which we knew nothing about.
I mean, we were all surprised.
Yeah, but then it's the main job of a news anchor not to lose focus even if you get surprised.
Yes, but Narciza is hosting the six o'clock news.
Can't we give it to Mikkel? Katrine, we have a schedule, and we simply Yeah.
And, Pia, schedules are good and practical.
But if they start to compromise the quality of our programmes they are of no use, right? But listen, you don't have to worry.
I'll talk to Narciza.
- Yes? - Okay? Sure.
I just don't think she'll be pleased.
No, but we'll figure it out.
Why is it that we keep having to meet at Hans's house? Well, it is his office when he's here in Ilulissat.
You're not getting a face tattoo.
My great-grandma couldn't.
And that's why I want them! It's important! You don't even remember your great-grandmother.
You don't get to decide this! It's none of your business! Oh, this is bullshit! Sorry about that.
It's okay, Hans.
- Shall we begin? - Yeah.
Nyborg went through the wringer in the media.
Will she make it? Yes, she will.
Now that she has changed her stance on the oil project, I assume you've made sure that nobody will try to unseat her.
Well, I'm certainly glad that we can get started on the second round of negotiations.
We've spent plenty of time discussing the pros and cons.
Now we can discuss realities.
Time schedules.
Money.
I have made a proposal.
Denmark's annual block grant to Greenland is at 3.
9 billion.
As soon as that oil revenue increases, we will phase out the block grant.
And once it is phased out, we are economically independent.
And then all of the oil revenue will belong to Greenland.
And then all of the oil revenue will belong to Greenland.
Hans, are you sure this is the official policy of the Greenlandic government? Okay, look.
It's one thing you've come to an agreement on exploiting the oil.
But it is no secret that you're part of a coalition.
And while your own party wants independence, the Premier's wants the opposite.
She wants to be affiliated with Denmark.
Do you agree? Both the Premier and the entire government supports this proposal.
- Hi, Asger.
- Is it a bad time? No, I'm going to a party meeting.
I'm standing in Hans Eliassen's utility room again.
We have to change strategy.
They have a completely new agenda.
They want it all.
And the Premier is on their side.
But that's complete madness.
Yes.
But we have to change gears, and it has to happen somewhat quickly.
It would be best if you could come up here.
- I can't do that right now.
- No, I know.
So I propose that you invite them to Copenhagen.
Respectfully and as equal partners.
We simply have to get you to be a part of these negotiations, and then you and I will have to do a "good cop/bad cop" routine.
And I'm the bad cop? No, you're just a slightly more important cop.
Hi, everyone.
- Hi.
- I'm sorry.
It's okay, Birgitte.
We've just sat down.
- We were just talking about - Me? I know this has been a turbulent time for the party and our political strategy.
Turbulent? I'm the Climate Minister, and during the last few days you have made a complete U-turn on the oil in Greenland.
It's the official government policy.
It has become official policy because you let yourself be pressured into it.
The government would've been met by a vote of no confidence.
It'd be more correct to say that you would have been met by a vote of no confidence.
And where would that have left us? I would have resigned and you, Jon, would've taken over the Foreign Ministry.
Or should I have pulled the New Democrats out of the government? Meaning a general election before we'd been in power for 100 days.
Well, our constituencies are puzzled as well.
Yes, I had to speak to my chairman for hours yesterday.
But you have to control your constituency.
You call your chairman and shut the matter down.
That's the end of it.
Birgitte, we're here because we believe in something after all.
Thanks, Jon.
Climate is a core issue in the policy that got us elected.
- And our constituents - I'm sorry, I'm gonna stop you there.
As the Minister for Climate and Energy, you know perfectly well that the global oil consumption is rising because many countries have a growing middle class which wants to lead the life we're living.
- But, Birgi - Wait, Jon.
Then there is Greenland who has control of their own natural resources.
Jon, you know that as Justice Minister.
So we're not able to stop them from exploiting the oil.
You know that.
So what I have basically been guilty of is accepting the state of affairs.
I agree with Birgitte on this one.
I think we can do more for the climate by having a seat at the table, and influencing Greenland and the international players to include climate in the negotiations.
Well, I'm sorry this can only be a short meeting.
Thank you very much.
Yeah.
Well, we accomplished a lot.
Yes, it's just to tighten the story up.
Narciza? Sorry to disturb you.
Can I have a word? Thanks.
Yeah? I would like to move you to the 9:30 news tonight if you're able to do that.
Erm how come? Birgitte Nyborg is coming in at six, and I think it would be better if it's not the same interviewer.
We've done that plenty of times.
I had the head of the National Council in the studio twice last week.
True, but this is Birgitte Nyborg who is in the middle of a serious crisis, and I think we have a special editorial responsibility.
I'm sorry, but we have completely fixed schedules.
We never change them regardless of who's the guest.
Your last interview with her wasn't fantastic.
Okay.
So that's what you really wanted to say.
What was the problem with that interview? You were face-to-face with a politician changing her stance on live television, and you didn't question it.
She changed the topic.
She had an agenda nobody knew about.
And it is your job as an interviewer to stay on point.
Instead you changed the topic and began to talk about Greenland's independence.
You handed her the damn interview.
This evening is a very special evening.
Birgitte Nyborg might have to step down, and in my judgement it would be psychologically better that she is facing an anchor she hasn't been pulling around by the nose.
I mean, if this was a football match I would say you played the first half, you didn't score.
- We're going with another striker.
- I didn't score? And what happens if I won't accept this? - I'm asking you as your boss - No, you're moving me, as my boss, from one show to another because of alleged incompetence.
- Okay, do we really have to take it - Yes, we do.
Okay, then we'll do that.
This is my decision, and I'm sorry you don't agree.
End of discussion.
Goddammit, we never send something like that in a text.
You only handle something like that over the phone.
Yeah.
This is not an optimal situation.
"This is not an optimal situation" is just diplomat-speak for "this is a catastrophe".
I know that I can get fired for this.
I can't be making this kind of mistake and work at the Foreign Ministry.
God! I mean, if I count high school, I have spent half my life trying to get here and I haven't had any summer vacations because I've been going to summer school while at university, and I was number one in my class just like you probably were.
Yeah, I was number two.
And then it was a text.
I'll get the minister.
Get a grip, okay? Birgitte, I just want you to know I feel terrible that You're still my secretary, and I'm still the minister.
There's no majority against me.
Send an email to TV1 News.
"The minister does not wish to comment.
" "She has already explained the matter, and a majority in Parliament apparently agrees.
" And you and I have to look at how to split the potential oil revenue.
There, Oliver.
It's politics.
It moves fast.
Move on, okay? - Yeah.
- Bye.
Jens Jakob, I'm giving you a minister who is obviously lying, yeah? Right? I mean, there is proof.
Yes.
And the best you can give me is that she's got a slap on the wrist? I'll talk to you later.
What's up? I think we can question if there's an opposition in the country at the moment.
The Liberals can't be bothered to reopen the case against Nyborg now the majority is supporting the oil.
And Nyborg doesn't wish to comment.
- What? - You haven't seen the email? - No.
- No? "The minister does not wish to comment.
" "She has already explained the matter, and a majority in parliament apparently agrees.
" - That's a problem.
- That's what I'm trying to say.
Yeah, but I don't mean that.
I mean that it's an extremely dangerous new tendency.
Those political games in Parliament is one thing, but that a minister dares to answer in an email that she has no comment in such a serious matter, that's unacceptable! No, it's not.
It's really not.
I think we should look into this.
How often do Danish ministers respond by email now compared to 10, 15 years ago? My guess is that it is much more often.
It wasn't especially common when Nyborg was the prime minister, but in Kragh's government it seems to be the norm.
That's a huge problem for our democracy.
- What are you doing? - It's great stuff.
If we can't get any statements from the opposition, maybe we can get one from the government.
I'm calling Nyborg's boss.
And I'm gonna say exactly what you just said.
This is Friis.
Hi, Niels Erik.
Do you have two minutes? This is the one o'clock news.
TV1 has obtained text messages which show that Birgitte Nyborg was aware of the Russian owners of the company digging for oil in Greenland shortly before she denied any knowledge to the Foreign Policy Committee.
It looked different to the one you showed me before.
Didn't it? Yes.
The Chinese embassy wants to schedule a meeting.
- Do we know what it's about? - I'm on it.
I'll call them.
Er, and TV1 just broke the news about you.
Yes, I saw it.
It was exactly like I said.
They only have one indignant comment from Solidaric Unity.
You still don't think you ought to get a press adviser? - It's under control.
- Before it's too late.
Listen, I've just emailed the Prime Minister.
"Dear Signe.
" "You have probably seen the story about me right now.
" "I just want to inform you that I have talked to the opposition, and they have no interest in reopening the case.
" "All is good.
Love, Birgitte.
" From: Signe Kragh - Thanks for the email.
Stop by my office early, please? Love, S.
- Just go in.
- Thanks.
Did you know that I have always looked up to you? You were my number one idol.
I remember when you presented your first government in front of the royal palace.
I thought, "That woman is doing it right.
" "I want to be like that.
" - Oh.
- Yes.
But when I get a call from TV1 News and I'm told that you have answered a journalist by email that you don't wish to comment on the matter, I am seriously worried what kind of signal this government is sending.
Well, it's probably sending the signal its boss thinks it should send.
You said at a cabinet meeting right after we took power that you would like us to send more written replies because you wanted more control over communication.
But not to the extent that it makes us look undemocratic, Birgitte.
Undemocratic? Yes.
What do you call your attempt to place Michael Laugesen in a key position, one of your closest friends, with no regard to voters, Parliament or the government? Well, nothing came of it, as you know, Birgitte.
And I can tell you that my friendship with Laugesen is definitively over.
And did the media make sure of that? No, they didn't.
But my own Foreign Minister did.
So this is actually payback? Can't you see that there is no reason to comment any more? There is no case.
Parliament has confidence in me.
Yes, but sometimes a minister should also consider other people's confidence.
Such as that of the Danish people and mine.
And I would like you to go on the news tonight and explain yourself.
We don't have time for all this.
Without Nyborg, it'll be short.
It's a damn good story.
Denmark has a murderer in Greenland drilling for oil.
Isn't that a great story? Well, Nyborg is coming after all.
- Great.
- That's great.
Run the full package.
Katrine.
Listen, I have to tell you that I find it very weird to be taking Narciza's show from her.
Okay.
I can understand that.
But it is my decision, and I've explained my reasons to Narciza.
I think it would better serve us not to have the same anchor interview the minister on the same matter several days in a row.
Sure, and I understand that.
But I Hi.
I'm sorry to bother you.
I'm Lone Jacobsen.
I'm from HR.
We're actually under a bit of pressure right now, Lone, because we're planning the main story for six o'clock.
Can it wait? That is actually what I want to discuss with you.
And maybe we shouldn't discuss it in the middle of an open-plan office.
Of course.
Er, let's go into the kitchen I'll be back.
I just talked to one of your other anchors, Narciza Aydin, who tells me that according to the schedule she is hosting the six o'clock news, but you have informed her that she is not doing that show because you don't find her qualified to conduct a specific interview.
Correct? Yeah, it's more or less correct, even though it's probably Narciza's spin.
Okay.
She has contacted the Danish Union of Journalists.
So we have an obligation to pursue the case.
Okay.
Er, I have to say that it is a complete overreaction.
I swapped two anchors.
There is simply nothing weird about that.
But I have heard what you're saying.
Thank you for telling me.
Now, I simply have to move on with my programme.
Signe Kragh do you still have confidence in Birgitte Nyborg after the news breaking on TV1 earlier today? I have confidence in all my ministers, and I know she'll speak to the press later.
And I'm certain she will address the matter to everyone's satisfaction so we can all get back to work.
It hasn't been possible to get a comment from Birgitte Nyborg, but we managed to get hold of the deputy party leader of the New Democrats, Jon Berthelsen, for a comment.
And, Jon Berthelsen, how do you respond to the tangible evidence that Nyborg has withheld important information from the Foreign Policy Committee? Yes, well, I can't comment on that at the moment for good reasons No comments, Jon.
And off you go.
But, Jon, you're the Justice Minister of this country.
This ought to have consequences for Nyborg, right? Well, it so happens that we have a central legal principle in this country which states that you're innocent until proven guilty.
Don't comment at all, Jon.
If Nyborg is forced to step down, are you then ready to take over as party leader? It's the nature of things that the deputy leader is ready to take over if the leader steps down.
- Oh, you are, are you? - Thank you, Jon Berthelsen.
I'm obviously shocked to learn that a person like Mikhail Gamov Not "shocked".
For a person like Mikhail Yes? - Hi.
- Yeah? I called the Greenlandic Permanent Secretary to pressure them to come to Copenhagen to negotiate.
It's fine.
Have we heard back from the American ambassador? He's busy all day and can't make it.
Unbelievable! Even when you're the one calling? - They know what it is you want.
- And what do I want? You want the United States to help you explain to the news that they asked you to withhold information about Gamov.
That is not going to happen.
They will never reveal their security policies to help out a Danish minister who is in trouble.
TV1 asked if you'll come early.
And the Chinese embassy has once again asked for a meeting.
Ugh, I don't want to have a meeting with the Chinese ambassador.
I want to talk to the American one.
Thank you, Oliver.
I'll call them.
Are you getting anything to eat? - Shall I bring you some food? - I'm not hungry.
Okay.
What will you say on the news? Well, it's completely ridiculous that the Prime Minister insists that I go on the news when Parliament supports me.
But they won't if I have to be responsible for a deal with a Russian criminal.
And you don't think I can talk to the Americans, so what do you really think I should say? I'm the permanent secretary.
I run this ministry.
And now I really think you should get a special adviser, or hire someone that you can use that tone with.
Do you want Do you want a cup of coffee? No, no, thanks.
Er, but thank you for taking the time.
Yes, of course.
It's just a formality so we can close the case.
You were one of the last people to see Malik alive.
Yes.
He, er He drove me out to the drilling site once, and then then we hung out a bit afterwards.
Did you notice anything in particular about him? No.
He seemed like a nice guy.
Erm I know that he missed the Navy.
He met one of his former colleagues who was in town.
- Did he seem upset? - No.
- Or depressed? - No, I don't think so.
Maybe How do I put it? Down on his luck? He, erm He said that he had more luck with the ladies back in the day.
And I think he smoked a joint once in a while.
Hmm.
It makes sense.
Then I think we can close this one.
Excuse me.
What makes sense? Well, he was thrown out of the Navy, and his marriage had fallen apart, and he spent a lot more money than he made.
And in the end he couldn't cope any more.
Suicide.
Far too many young men choose that way out.
Greenland has the highest suicide rate in the world.
It's tragic.
Hi, Tanja.
My mum and dad are idiots.
It's been a hundred years since Malik was in the Navy.
This wasn't what he looked like at all.
I think parents are like that.
This was how Malik was.
It's a nice photo.
It's completely unbearable to think that such a nice young man ends up taking his own life.
It's so typical of you Danes to say something like that.
"Greenlanders commit suicide and drink.
" What if it wasn't suicide? I'm sorry.
That wasn't what I meant at all.
Malik would never do such a thing.
- I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
- Don't touch me.
- Don't you think you ought to - Can't you just leave? - You'll get cold.
- Go! Can't you just leave now? He was my brother! - I'm sorry.
- Leave me alone! I'm sorry.
I didn't mean it like that.
Er, no.
Just get out of here! Go! NYBORG KNEW ABOUT RUSSIAN CONNECTION We have called you, Maria Lottrup, political editor at Jyllands-Posten.
The café we went to in Brooklyn when you were here.
Should Nyborg look for another job? Unless she can pull an unusually large rabbit out of her hat, it's hard to imagine a top politician and current minister survive a case where there is concrete evidence that she has lied to one of the Parliament's most powerful committees and thereby to Parliament itself and ultimately to the people of Denmark.
Would you wait a minute! Sorry, I just need two seconds.
I just spoke to the Chinese embassy, and I think you ought to have a quick word with the ambassador.
What about? They won't give any details, but they said it was about the current political situation.
We never hear the Chinese say anything like that.
And furthermore the ambassador will be here in five minutes.
Mr Ambassador, what a surprise.
My apologies to the Foreign Minister for the urgency.
Oh, there's no need for that.
I have some information that I'm certain the minister would want to be made aware of before her appearance on the news.
It is about Greenland.
About Greenland? We need to call an emergency meeting in the Foreign Policy Committee as soon as possible.
- Say 4:45 p.
m.
That'll give 'em two hours.
- I'll do it.
Good.
Oliver, will you ask TV1 News to put my interview at the end of the show? I can't make it for six o'clock, but I'll make it for 6:20.
- Yep.
- Thanks.
Rasmus, brief the Prime Minister's office that there's critical news in the oil case.
It's not like the Secretary to the Foreign Minister to come to the PM's office at such short notice.
Relations between our ministers have been a bit cool.
Maybe because your minister sometimes chooses to pass confidential information directly on to the media.
- We're trying to make up.
- Good.
It seems that things are about to get very cold in Greenland, and you won't like it.
Where's the bloody fire? Well, thank you so much for coming at such short notice.
- Did we have a choice? - No.
- Can I talk to you? - Yeah.
Okay, she'll be here soon.
Your mantra is just "stick to your guns," okay? Stick to your guns.
She's a master of diversions.
This isn't about foreign policy or whatever else she might come up with.
This is about her breaking the law.
She still has the support of a majority.
But she is Birgitte Nyborg, and it goes against her image to be the type of politician who lies and shirks responsibility.
Hi, Narciza.
Didn't we have an agreement? I don't know that we had.
It was my show.
But I just wanted to stop by to reassure Mikkel that there was no hard feelings.
Thanks.
That is really sweet of you to come and support your colleague.
To me, it looks like a demonstration which can only make Mikkel and everyone involved nervous, and you know what? It's disloyal.
You remove me from a show, and I'm the one being disloyal? Can I stop you? We're live in a minute and a half.
- Do you think you can - Of course.
- Give him time to concentrate.
Shall we? - Yes, thanks.
Thank you, Narciza.
Stick to your guns.
Stick to your guns.
TV1 has acquired documentation that the Russian citizen Mikhail Gamov is owner of the company that wants to extract oil in Greenland.
He has close ties to the Russian president and has been linked to an assassination attempt on a leader of the Russian opposition.
Furthermore, he will be on the EU's sanction list because he is suspected of being part of extensive money laundering.
Birgitte Nyborg, at a meeting with the Foreign Policy Committee last week you were asked if Mikhail Gamov was involved in the oil company in Greenland.
And you answered no to that question.
But earlier today TV1 revealed that you knew that Gamov is a co-owner and that you had begun to seek further information about him.
Is that right? Only partially correct.
The fact of the matter is that when it comes to international concerns of this size, it can be incredibly difficult to discover something which may sound as simple as knowing the owners.
Ah, Birgitte Nyborg, the name has to be in the contract.
Actually, that's not the case, Mikkel.
You have to go through several holding companies and concerns before you reach anything that can be linked to Gamov.
And at the meeting with the Foreign Policy Committee I still didn't have the full overview of the owners, - and therefore I thought - I have to interrupt you here.
You're denying that Gamov is the co-owner of the oil company? Yes, I am, as a matter of fact.
He and every single Russian company has been bought out by a Chinese equity fund.
China? Holy shit.
Don't let her off the hook, Mikkel.
Come on.
Then why didn't you just say that he had been a co-owner? Because I didn't want to raise suspicion and fear unnecessarily.
Just look at your segment.
As a news outlet, you naturally focus on the drama.
A scary Russian who might kill members of the opposition.
It's a good story.
And that's your job.
My job as a minister is primarily to contribute to a true story.
We were still finding who owned what, and that's why I chose not to mention it until we had all the facts.
But you're sitting with your colleagues on the Foreign Policy Committee.
It's the most confidential room at Christiansborg.
You don't think they would've been able to handle the information about Mikhail Gamov? The meetings are confidential.
Well, apparently not more confidential than you inviting me here to discuss details about what was said at a confidential meeting.
I had every reason to believe that the information could be leaked.
Or what do you think? Best to let the Foreign Policy Committee reply to that, so let's leave that question.
Birgitte Nyborg, thank you for coming.
Annoying.
Her Chinese trumps our Russians.
Don't they? Tweet: Competent @NarcizaAydin removed for "incompetence"?! Tweet: Feminist leaders make me sick! Tweet: Is @TV1News changing? Long day? Yeah.
Cheers.
Cheers.
- What are we celebrating? - That you still have a job.
- Would you have fired me? - Nah.
You can become a good personal secretary, and I have a feeling you will want to prove that after today.
You move quickly, but I think you can move even quicker.
I have a lot to learn from you.
Who knows.
Maybe I can learn something from you as well.
No, I doubt it.
Perhaps how to tie a tie properly.
- Yes.
- What's wrong with my tie? It's too wide.
It's too loose and too wide.
It's like a granddad's tie.
So what's that, eh? This is a Windsor knot.
A very tight Windsor.
Sometimes it's a four-in-hand.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Absolutely no one cares about my tie.
Yeah.
I could be wearing the tie of a gas station attendant, and nobody would notice it.
- Wanna bet? - Yeah.
Five hundred kroner.
On Monday I'll have done something completely hideous with my tie.
- Er - No one will notice it.
And I think they will.
Five hundred kroner.
From: Asger Holm Kirkegaard Ready to negotiate.
I sent you an email.
Caption - Today we start oil negotiations with Greenland A bar? No, thanks.
I don't like them.
Taste like sawdust.
Remember to tag Hans Eliassen and their government.
Tag what? - Yeah.
Shall I? Shall I do it? - Mm-hmm.
I can show you.
Like that.
- Mm-hmm.
- And here.
It's done.
Well, the American ambassador has asked for a meeting as quickly as possible.
Oh, so now he'd like to talk to me.
Yes, after you've told the world that the Chinese are drilling for oil in Greenland.
And CNN, The Washington Post and The Guardian have picked up the story as well.
Er, Channel 2 has found out that your son was part of hijacking the pig transporter.
I'll send you a link.
NYBORG'S SON COULD GO TO JAIL It's not a big story yet, but maybe we should try to postpone negotiations with Greenland? No.
What are you thinking? He can deal with that himself.
I'm at work.
Birgitte, mind your tone.
I know.
Can the three of us make a deal that if you feel that I'm then you give me a heads-up? - That's a deal.
- Thanks.
Christ, that tie is ugly.
It's hideous.
But nobody pays any attention.
You owe me 500.
You can just wire it to me straight away.
Rasmus, by the way Er, that tie.
Take it off.
Hi.
Hi.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Good to meet you.
Was the flight okay? Yes, it was.
- Is all good? - Yes.
Yes.
Sorry.
The international press is quite interested in China.
- So is the Greenlandic press.
- Welcome.
- My permanent secretary.
- Lovely to meet you.
Emmy Rasmussen.
Head of the Premier's department.
- Nice to meet you all.
- You too.
- That's lovely.
- Thanks.
- Yeah.
Shall we sit down? - Yes.
- Would you like a sandwich? - No, thank you.
- No, thanks.
- No, thanks.
They don't look exciting.
I'm really glad you had the opportunity to come down here.
Section 10 of the Home Rule Act states clearly that there needs to be a negotiation between the Greenlandic government and the Danish state about the division of revenue from natural resources in Greenland.
- Yes, I'd like - You'll get time to speak, Hans.
I understand from Asger that after the block grant is phased out, you would want all the revenue for Greenland.
And not to oversimplify this, but basically we're dividing a cake.
And what you are saying, Hans, is that you want all the cake.
That's because it's our cake.
Maybe we should take a look at how big that cake actually is.
Yes.
An optimistic estimate based on current oil prices is a total value of around 2,000 billion kroner.
That's a big cake.
That's not the revenue, that's the total value of the entire field.
And then 80% goes to the oil company.
No, that's not completely true.
The company's share will fall drastically as soon as their first investment is recouped.
He means section 17 in the permit.
Well, even a conservative estimate would give you 1,000 billion, which is the same as the current block grant for 250 years, or giving every single living Greenlander 17.
8 million kroner.
Yes, but that is money we need to secure our independence.
Yes, and then what are you going to do when you run out of oil? When the entire world drives electric cars? When this deal was made in 2009, it was decided that Greenland and Denmark should negotiate because Greenland wasn't ready to sever ties with Denmark.
- But we are now.
- Yes, your party, Hans.
Independence isn't your government's official policy.
I know that some in Greenland feel that Denmark have been treating you very poorly, and are fighting to be decolonised, but I can inform you that there are members of the Danish Parliament who don't agree with that at all, and I also represent them.
Yes, but we're not teenagers asking permission to move away from home.
We have moved.
You just need to show us that you have faith in us to take care of ourselves.
But you can't.
What would happen if we left tomorrow? It's no secret that most of your public administration is being supplied by Denmark.
But that is the way Denmark keeps us dependent.
Oh, just stop.
Do I have to mention how many political scandals there's been in Greenland through the years? Misconduct, nepotism, corruption.
We're getting that under control.
We don't necessarily have to use Danish solutions to our Greenlandic problems.
Fine, so let's talk when you have a handle on the suicide rate, alcohol abuse and widespread sexual abuse.
Birgitte, I have to say that today we are talking about oil.
- So maybe we should focus on that.
- Yes, let's do that.
Do you know who I'm dealing with on your behalf? The US.
Russia.
China.
We don't have the same problems with China as you have.
No, that's because you're so naive, Hans.
You're sitting on an island the size of Western Europe.
You don't even have as big a population as the town of Vejle.
What is it you want? To be an independent Arctic Bahrain? You'll end up being tossed back and forth between the Americans and the Chinese.
They will eat you alive! And they couldn't care less that you're an Indigenous people.
We have self-government.
Thanks to a law passed by the Danish Parliament.
And ultimately that law can be changed.
This is completely unacceptable.
Well.
Yeah.
I was just trying to open their eyes to reality.
That time you were a bit too I was unequivocal.
That's different.
I really think you should get a special adviser.
Birgitte? Okay, if I can get my minister to apologise to your minister, what would your minister say? Certainly not sorry.
That was completely uncalled for.
Yeah.
Yeah.
But I have to say, what your side is bringing Stop it.
Don't do that.
Please don't do your civil servant routine on me.
Okay.
Shall we grab something to eat? Don't do that either.
Okay.
Then I just think that my options are starting to dwindle a bit.
I really like you.
Do you know what you could learn from us? To delay gratification.
To do without.
We are rather good at it.
Hey.
Hey.
But then Nyborg suddenly changed her policy as the government as a whole decided to be in favour of exploiting the oil in Greenland.
This has led to increasing disagreement within both the party's members of Parliament and the rank and file of the party.
And now even constituency chairmen are speaking out and expressing their displeasure with Nyborg.
And one of them is you.
Agnete Brix, welcome.
You have been a member of the New Democrats from the beginning.
What do you feel is the problem with Nyborg's line? I think that many feel the special thing about Birgitte Nyborg is the fact that she has never become out of touch with her voters.
But I think her latest statements contrast sharply with that.
And I'm certainly not alone with that opinion.
No individual is greater than the party.
If the chairman starts to express points of view which are not shared by the party, I honestly think that the chairman needs to take a hard look in the mirror.
Guess I'm not that popular at the moment.
No.
I still kind of like you though.
What are your plans, Asger? Er I have to go home and prepare.
We have quite a few fires we need to put out.
Because I need to talk to my Arctic ambassador about a new negotiating mandate in regard to Greenland.
And I haven't eaten a thing since this morning except for this apple thingy.
Want to join me for dinner? Yeah.
So just you and me? Yes, and something to eat.
Right? Yep.
Yeah, yeah.
And no talk about the bickering in my party, okay? Of course.
Narciza? Well done.
Er, "well done"? Yeah, it was a good show.
And a really good live interview with the chairman.
It was on point.
So you stuck around to praise me for a completely average interview with a party chairman from Holstebro? I'd like to apologise.
Okay.
And suggest that we move on.
I really think what you did was out of line.
And you have every right to your opinion, but, er but, erm, at the end of the day I'm the boss, right? And that's it? Yeah, that's the way it is.
Yes.
That's the way it is.
So we've moved on? Absolutely.
And of course they get hold of Agnete Brix from Holstebro to stand up and rattle on about my lack of appeal.
I mean Well, that disappeared quickly.
And everybody in the party knows that she has had a crush on Jon for years.
- Jon? - Yes.
- But isn't he? - Yes.
And why does she mention Jon? Where do you think he was elected? - Holstebro.
- Hey! Do you think Jon will challenge you? Jon? No.
I made him.
No, no, no.
He doesn't have that kind of ambition.
- Jon is such a nice boy, right? - Hm.
He's a family man.
He has two straight-A girls and lives in an eco-friendly house with Brian.
And then you can't be a party leader.
No.
You have to be ready to make some very tough choices if you want to remain in this kind of job, erm Becoming prime minister cost me my my marriage and my family.
Would you have done it all again if you - had known what it would cost you? - Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Is it easier for you now that you're alone? Yeah, of course it is.
Not allowed to say that, but of course it is.
It's true.
We're never going to get a normal life.
Are we? Huh? We come home far too late, we get up far too early, and we let down far too many people we love.
But some people are just made to work and love it more than anything else.
Wouldn't you rather vote for someone who works hard than someone who picks their kids up at four? Yeah, but it's also a bit sad, right? But it's who we are.
- Right? - Ehh.
'Cause I think you're like that as well.
Excuse me, shall I take your plates? Oh, sorry.
You haven't even started yet.
No, it's fine.
Just take it.
Thank you.
That was delicious.
Well, where were we? We were talking about my boss who, erm, bombed our relationship with Greenland back to colonial times this afternoon.
Which is why I have a diplomatic task of tremendous proportions when I meet with Hans tomorrow morning at eight o'clock to go through the 74-page concession agreement which, by the way, I have to swing by the ministry to pick up, so I'd probably better get going, Birgitte.
- Go home and work! Yeah.
- Yeah.
I'll wait for the bill.
- It was fun.
- See you tomorrow.
- You will.
- Yeah.
Hi.
We're almost done.
Very good.
- Nearly there.
- Really? Cool.
Let me see.
DAD Tweet: Power-hungry bitch! @KatrineFønsmark Tweet: Poor @NarcizaAydin She has a lot of fans.
Tweet: Can @TV1News afford to fire her? Did you know that people on the internet are crazy? Mm-hmm.
And they can't spell either.
Hey! So we can't discuss this week's political events without mentioning Birgitte Nyborg.
It has been quite a rollercoaster ride for the government in the media.
How has the mood been in the New Democrats? It is really strained, to tell the truth.
Within a few days there was almost a vote of no confidence against Nyborg, and then she does a U-turn on the party line on climate policy without her constituency on board.
Yes, but can Birgitte Nyborg still rectify this? It would probably have been better if she'd chosen to step down with a bit of honour left.
Then she would also have time to take care of her activist son who seems to be in trouble with that pig transporter.
So even though she came up with a poor explanation about the Chinese and has survived in principle, she has suffered a serious loss to her personal reputation.
Listen, you're standing here and talking as if the only honourable thing to do is to resign.
Far too many people have resigned too early because they've said something wrong.
It's ridiculous.
You have to stay and fight.
I'm not paying taxes so the Foreign Minister can step down ahead of time.
It has to be the first time you're defending Birgitte Nyborg, Michael Laugesen.
Danes want credible politicians, don't they? They don't.
That's just something you say because it sounds nice.
We actually want politicians who have an incredible will to survive.
You have to be a predator to remain at the top of Danish politics.
Who do we respect for, huh? The ones who are lying in the ring bleeding while the ref is counting over their body, but who then get up and keep on fighting in the next round.
For the real political leaders, it is a battle from start to finish.
And it's the fight for power.
We are so afraid and easily offended when we talk about power in this country.
But a politician has to fight for power.
Because she has something she is fighting for and she believes in.
And I have to tell you without having the slightest bad taste in my mouth MAGNUS - MISSED CALL that for some of us, the power is more important than the cause.
Laugesen.
Birgitte Nyborg.
I was wondering if you would like to meet? Subtitle translation by: Helle Kaiser-Nielsen