Lars Boje Mathiesen: Why he's now standing alone in the storm
It's not the first time Lars Boje Mathiesen has made people's jaws drop. The former Nye Borgerlige frontbencher, now an independent MP in the Danish Parliament, has just launched a proposal that has both the red and blue blocs buzzing. While the parties gear up for the next parliamentary session, he chooses to go his own way – and he does so with a clarity that has become his trademark.
From party stalwart to independent: What drives Lars Boje?
For many voters, Lars Boje Mathiesen is still the man who, alongside Pernille Vermund, sparked a conservative revival. But since the split with Nye Borgerlige, he's been left standing alone on the backbenches. Yet he's managed to stay relevant. Just last week, he was back in the spotlight when he proposed a significant tightening of immigration policy, a move that even left some members of the Denmark Democrats gasping. "I might be standing alone, but I'm saying what many people are thinking," he stated in his latest speech in the chamber.
Lars Boje or Lars Bojer? A mix-up that's going viral
However, it's not just his politics that draws attention. On social media, he's often confused with the renowned physicist and professor Lars Bojer Madsen. The latter researches quantum physics at the Technical University of Denmark and has nothing to do with Christiansborg. Nevertheless, the professor regularly receives angry emails from voters who disagree with Boje Mathiesen's views. "It's probably the closest I'll ever get to having political influence," laughed Lars Bojer Madsen recently in an interview, after yet another misdirected message. The mix-up has gradually become a staple in the narrative surrounding both gentlemen.
Three key policies he won't compromise on
Whether you agree with him or not, Lars Boje Mathiesen stands firm on a few, but sharply defined, principles. Here are the three areas he consistently returns to in his political advocacy:
- Tough immigration policy: He believes Denmark should have the strictest laws in the Nordic region and that EU cooperation in this area should be significantly curtailed.
- Less bureaucracy: Lars Boje has repeatedly called the central administration "a comfort zone" and wants to cut at least 20 per cent of the administrative layers.
- Personal responsibility: In his view, citizens should have more freedom, but also bear a greater share of the risk themselves – especially in health and social care.
What's next, Lars Boje?
The question is whether he'll continue as an independent or if he has plans to assemble a new team. Rumours have been swirling about possible alliances with Inger Støjberg or even a comeback in local politics. He's keeping his cards close to his chest. But when I met him the other day in the parliamentary chamber, there was no doubting his fire: "I'm here to make a difference, not to win popularity contests. If the Danes want someone who dances to everyone's tune, they'll have to look elsewhere."
With that attitude, there's no doubt that Lars Boje Mathiesen – whatever his surname – will continue to provide food for thought and debate. And as long as he's stirring things up, the rest of us will keep on having our say about him.