Original subtitles

We mustn't allow this country to close the door on the outside world.

- I want to get back into politics. - You don't fit into the Moderates.

- He kicked me out. - Contest Kruse's leadership.

That'll get you back in.

- If I win, I have your support? - You bet.

- You're the one I need. - I want to go on leave.

Katrine, don't do it. You're a single mother.

The new head of Current Affairs was just announced.

I'm a huge fan of your department.

Why does the News take up so much space? Why are you still the boss?

It's looking great.

In favour of Jacob Kruse as leader: 59. Jacob is re-elected.

It's rather rundown.

- What do you want it for? - It's going to house a new party.

Katrine, we just need your account.

The printer's was more expensive than expected.

DKK27,800 sounds reasonable. I'll transfer it today.

It's almost 30,000. Hell, I can't let you pay all that.

- It was my own decision. - You quit all your board jobs.

- I'd get them back, if I asked nicely. - And will you?

- Time will tell. - Give me that.

And then there's your salary and severance pay.

- I'm going to transfer 100,000. - I can't accept that.

- It's not up for discussion. - I'll get my old job back.

It's on now.

Today saw the second reading of the controversial deportation bill.

The bill is part of a major financial deal,

and it proposes the deportation of immigrants

found guilty of misdemeanours.

Appalling. They're going to kick you out for slapping someone.

Why doesn't he explain what a misdemeanour is? Jesus, Ulrik!

- Kruse's whipped his troops in line. - They were never asked.

Well, thank you, my brothers-in-arms.

We did our best.

You're due in make-up at 5:30.

I have to do my good loser act on TV1.

Did you lose because you've been away too much from Denmark?

Being away has given me a clear perspective on this country.

- It's not a pretty picture. - You mean the immigration laws.

The Moderates backed a new deportation bill today.

- How do you feel about that? - It's a sad day for Denmark.

People may not be aware that this gives us the right to deport people

for mere misdemeanours like spitting or slapping someone.

I want to make people understand that this is wrong.

This bill would never have been passed,

if the Danes had been asked.

- The Danes haven't been asked? - I don't think so.

I wish the people had more to say.

Once again, government is steamrolling a bill down our throat.

Rushing it through like a thief in the night.

I'm not alone in thinking this. I hope others will back me up.

And now for the inevitable question: what are you going to do now?

Well, I'm not going to lead the Moderates.

- How about another party? - No.

There you have it, Birgitte Nyborg is out of Danish politics.

Episode 22 - The Land is Built on Law

PARTY NAME

Good interview last night.

You could've leaned on her a bit more.

- You want me to kick a loser? - What are her plans for the future?

- Is it back to the corporate sector? - What about Katrine?

I find her plans more interesting now that Nyborg is out of politics.

Your staff can come and go as they please, Torben?

- If you're good enough. - Shut up. Get the Roma story ready.

Your new anchor at 6:00 looks like the chubby girl at school.

Well, Katrine's leaving fucked up the duty roster.

I'm really... I don't know what to do about it.

Nyborg said goodbye to politics yesterday. So I'm thinking...

Get Katrine Fønsmark back. Well, I'm working on that.

I am, I'm doing everything in my power. Really I am.

- It's your first priority. - You bet it is.

It's as spick-and-span as when I moved in.

It just needs a coat of paint.

Can I move out at the end of this month?

Great.

I'll call you back. Bye.

- We're moving? - I'm considering it.

- You didn't think to ask me? - I was going to tell you about it.

I don't want to move. Mum says we're moving.

I'm checking out my options, in case we can't afford to keep this.

You said from the very start that it was only temporary.

We rent this place, Magnus. We don't own it. See you.

Bummer!

Bye.

Mum, some guy called Erik Hoffman is here.

- The New Right? What a surprise. - It's a private visit.

I was very touched by your interview last night. The deportation bill.

- You agree with me? - You did a very brave thing.

- Erik, you just voted in favour of it. - I'm the deputy leader.

You know the drill.

Thank...

Thank you very much.

Fønsmark!

Hey. Funny, I was just talking about you.

I can't wait to get you back.

- Torben did leave me a message. - Okay.

- Would you like a glass of wine? - I'm in a hurry.

Rain check?

See you.

Hi. Can I drop the last binder off?

Where are you?

- Here you go. - Thanks. Going back to TV1?

I guess. You did well on the News last night.

- Take care. - You too.

Katrine?

I want to show you something.

Here we are.

What is this place?

It's my place.

You're going to form a new party.

A new centre party?

- The Moderates are rightist now. - You want the 'decent' Moderates.

No, I want to reach out to the Danes.

People aren't into politics.

All over the line, memberships are dropping.

One out of five is against democracy.

One out of ten. I read that survey. Coffee?

Thanks.

- It's great. - No, it's not great.

It's a few thoughts on a white board.

Let's have your honest opinion.

It's been quite a while since you charmed the public

and led the Moderates to a landslide victory.

- I've lost my public charm? - I had to hide your expensive watch.

You're out of touch with the people you want to mobilise,

and you're not the flabby girl who didn't mince her words.

- Can I get a party up and running? - If the right people pressure you.

Who are the right people?

- Hi. - Hi, dear. How did it go?

- Didn't you stop by TV1? - I never made it that far.

- Okay. Anything wrong? - On the contrary.

I'm going to help Nyborg form a new party.

It's a full-time job. Denmark hasn't seen a new party in a long time.

- Will you get paid? - I don't know.

Are you broke? A neighbour said you're behind with your service charges.

Don't you see how huge this is? A new party.

- Led by a former PM. - I have a train to catch.

- It's confidential, so don't... - You get Gustav back on Thursday.

Want me to come back Thursday afternoon? Love you.

Don't forget you're having Kasper and Gustav over for dinner tomorrow.

Our angle is that they're rushing the third reading of the bill.

Put the deportation bill on before the story on the Minister of Agriculture.

The management is discussing your meta-narrative here at TV1.

You have a tendency to focus on people who have failed.

Yesterday you ran a negative story on the deportation of 3 immigrant boys.

Whereas TV2 focused on Hesselboe getting his bill passed. A success.

But it's relevant to tell the public about the victims of the bill.

You want a more right-wing profile?

- Oh, no. Any word from Katrine? - Not a thing.

I talked to her, and she seemed very interested.

You talked to Katrine?

I'm the head of News, am I not?

So I hire and fire people, but that's going to be difficult

if the management interferes with my work.

No of fence meant, Torben. See you.

This bill is a borderline breach of human rights. isn't that a problem?

"The public sense of justice..."

We must think of the public sense of justice.

We have a lot of problems with our young immigrants.

We welcome any well-integrated...

- Hi. - Hi.

- Is this a bad time? - No. Come in.

I'll just be a moment.

I bet you're being swamped with job offers, understandably so,

because you're a hell of a reporter.

I just want to enter into a dialogue with you, maybe offer you a raise...

- Torben, I have to tell you... - You don't need to answer me now.

I hear you. Come on. I don't need your answer now.

Sleep on it. Think it over. I just came to let you know

that I'm very eager to negotiate with you. I really am.

Okay, then...

Damn it!

I just want you back.

Call me, okay?

Did you see the News? The third reading took just three days!

Stop by Parliament and get the rules for party subsidy.

As you see, the dividing line is between three and four members.

- Hey. Back on the job already? - Job, well...

I'm starting from scratch. You and Birgitte know the ropes better.

- What do you mean? - The new party.

She...?

- I thought you... - No! She can't be serious!

- Let's go outside. - I have a meeting with my party.

- Hi. We need to... - I bumped into Sejrø.

- Katrine, you didn't? - I thought he knew.

Sejrø celebrated his 40th anniversary with the Moderates last spring.

Kruse may have derailed him, but he's still a part of the Moderates.

- I wasn't thinking. - Party members are loyal.

I'm cheating on the Moderates now. That's how Bent sees it.

I wanted to tell him myself when the time was right.

You don't want him in the party?

At best, I may get his blessing.

Well, he'll come round soon enough, the old timer.

I'm thinking a core of 4-5 MPs.

- Find out how Nete feels. - She really likes you.

Sure, but she's extremely ambitious, bloody hard-working,

and she writes surprisingly well.

Here we go.

Hi, Bent.

Okay, what's going on?

I didn't mean for you to hear it this way.

I saw you the other day. Why didn't you let me in on your thoughts?

I know we lost, but give us some time to regroup.

You intend to form a new party. It's insane.

- You are a former Moderate PM. - I don't condone our policy anymore.

Influence comes at a price. You paid a price as PM.

I never compromised human rights nor our party's key issues.

The Moderates are instrumental in getting a disagreeable bill passed,

which will give us the right to kick people out for misdemeanours.

You don't abandon ship at the first gust of wind. This is your party.

I'm loyal to the idea, not the institution.

How can you support a man like Kruse?

The Moderates have been through a host of different leaders.

- But you hang in there and fight. - I tried.

- You just want revenge. - No, no, no.

This isn't a matter of revenge. It's...

I travelled so much after the change of government,

because I couldn't stand being here without having any influence.

Birgitte, I implore you not to do this.

Don't do it. Do you hear?

Are you listening to me? This is serious.

I have to do this. The ball is rolling.

In that case, I'm no longer your friend.

- Did you arrange a meeting with Jon? - His backing me must have hurt him.

He ought to see the advantage of joining us.

But after my meeting with Bent, I'm getting second thoughts.

I've never seen him react like that before. He took it very personally.

Is this wrong of me?

Unfaithful?

We have to be very careful about whom we approach.

This is going to be a bombshell.

- I need to know you're with me. - I am.

Nobody's interested in a new centre party.

- We're going to steal their seats. - I'm with you all the way.

- Come in. - Hi.

I hear you and Birgitte Nyborg are forming a new party.

We doing a story on it tomorrow on 'Juul and Friis'.

- You can't... - I'm joking, Katrine.

I'm joking. Your mum blabbed. Sorry. Stop that!

You scared the shit out of me. Of course my mum blabbed.

Isn't it crazy? I think the time's right.

- Isn't it crazy? - Sure.

Sure...

Didn't we agree it'd be good for us to have dinner now and then?

Sure.

I know.

Kasper...

And I know the experts say it's best for Gustav that his parents get along.

- It's just a glass of wine. - Yes.

I'd better take Gustav home.

- Right, he's beat. - Yes.

- Okay. - Thanks.

- It looks delicious. - Thanks.

Want to go home with Daddy?

And you want to bring this?

Well, well.

We don't see much of you these days.

- Hi. - Hi.

- Is Torben in? - He left already.

I think his missus wants him to spend more time at home.

- It's a bit late for a job interview. - Yeah.

- I'm off to Make-up. - Have fun.

- Thanks. Good to see you. - You too.

- Miss Fønsmark! - Torben left.

- You're back? - No. I came to see Torben.

You owe me a glass of wine, don't you?

Good morning.

Yeah, I was just on my way out.

My boxers?

- I'm really sorry, but... - I had a great night.

- Erik Hoffmann? - You know him from business school.

Sure. He taught corporate law.

He's very conscientious, correct and loyal... What?

He paid me a visit after he'd seen my interview on TV1.

- He thought I was brave. - I'm not surprised.

He's married to an Ethiopian lawyer.

She worked in London and still had to fight to get a residence permit here.

He was so desperate, he almost moved to Sweden.

To Sweden?

To bypass a set of laws he helped pass?

- He's been very quiet about that. - He's very discreet.

What do you want with him?

I'm going to form a new party.

- You're what? - A political one. A new centre party.

- You're... you're nuts. - You think?

I see, and you need Erik to make your project palatable to the right.

Hey, Kruse... This is going to kill Kruse.

- It's all very hush-hush. - You've seemed upbeat lately.

- The New Right is my party. - You're only bound by your beliefs.

It's your constitutional right, and you swore to uphold the constitution.

Birgitte, it's very brave of you to approach me.

But I have to turn you down.

I'm sorry to hear that.

This will remain between us.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Hi, Nete. - Katrine, nice to see you again.

- Last time we met was tough. - Yes, it was a tough weekend.

- Birgitte's grateful for your support. - You still see her?

Not really. We have some loose ends to tie up.

- Nete, can I count on your discretion? - Sure.

A new grouping is in the works.

You want to challenge Kruse again? Is that possible? I don't dare to.

- No, outside. - Outside Parliament?

Yes, but not... really outside.

A group made up of like-minded homeless politicians.

- A debate group? - A forum for those who want change.

An independent political group outside Parliament.

- A think tank? - No.

- This can't get out. - I wouldn't know what to say.

- Nyborg is going to form a new party. - Why didn't you just say so?

- Interested? - Count me in.

What a great place.

It looks just like the beginning of that Coldplay video.

You know...

- Have a seat, Nete. - Thanks.

And welcome. You're our first MP.

- Katrine isn't a politician? - I'm an adviser and handle the media.

I try to keep a low profile due to my TV exposure.

- I'm the only politician so far. - I haven't told a soul.

- Not even my dog. - Keep it that way for now.

You could start by leaving the Moderates to become an independent.

I don't owe them a thing. Kruse put me on ice after the conference.

Still, if I keep going to the meetings, we'll know what's going on.

We approached Jon Bertelsen, but I doubt he's in.

Good. No, sorry.

- Don't apologise. - The man can't be trusted.

If you take him in, he's going to undermine you.

I bet he takes over the party in a year.

Okay, let's forget him then.

- Birgitte Nyborg? - Yes.

My ex-husband donated some surplus furniture from his bank.

He doesn't know what the capital of Albania is.

- Tallinn. - You won't make substitute anchor.

I'm not giving him the 8:30. What about that girl...?

- The chubby one. - I didn't say that. Is that the list?

- Didn't you talk to Katrine? - Sure, and I hope she says yes.

I talked to her.

- You talked to her? Okay. - You can count her out.

I didn't mean to interfere in your firing and hiring work, Torben.

- You see her privately? - You could say that.

It was private, anyway. Hello? Hi, Thomas.

Torben, the Ministry of Agriculture won't let us access their documents.

He's done her.

- Hjort's sleeping with Katrine. - What are you talking about?

- He just said so. - Jesus Christ, Torben!

- Isn't she coming back? - Look...

The head of News can't do a former employee!

Where is she? What are Nyborg and Fønsmark up to?

I'm going to call Katrine.

- Hi. - Hi, dear.

Did Kasper stay the night?

It looks like you had company in bed.

When I confide important news in you, I assume I can trust you.

- What do you mean? - Kasper knew all about the new party.

- He is Gustav's father. - He works for TV1, Mum!

- He knows everyone at Parliament. - I thought you confided in each other.

When I confide in you, don't go blabbing to anyone.

You don't understand how important this is. Don't, I'll see to him.

These are the kind of fly boys that risk being kicked out now

because of the new deportation bill that's been met with heavy criticism.

- Some call it a legal mess. - Correct.

The government doesn't want a drawn-out debate over this bill.

They aren't very proud of it, hence the short consulting procedure.

- But they have their majority. - Exactly.

And the Moderates delivered the deciding votes.

Is the old politically correct party of intellectuals divided?

Absolutely. Several Moderates refuse to take part in the vote.

Ls a new wing forming within the party?

I don't think so. Kruse has silenced the critics.

What is Nyborg up to? Is she pulling the strings somewhere?

I'm sure Birgitte Nyborg has left the political arena.

Okay. That's all for tonight.

- Kasper Juul... - Torben Friis...

I sincerely believed we had to tighten the immigrant laws.

Particularly after the irresponsible policies

pursued by Labour in one minority government after the other in the 90s.

People crossed our borders in hordes. We couldn't afford it.

Neither economically, socially... nor culturally.

We were peasants.

Hell, we still are.

But then it just happens almost unnoticeable.

This constant tightening of the laws.

We forget that the bills are us. We are the law. The law is us.

I started to read the bills I'd help pass.

I couldn't see myself in them. And that gives me a hell of a problem.

My wife is black.

We have a son, Emil. My wife won't let him wear a hoodie.

She doesn't want him to look like an immigrant kid from the ghetto.

She won't allow it. So Emil saved up for one by himself.

Why can't he wear one when all the other boys can?

It's hard to explain to him that other rules apply to him.

And to top it off, I helped pass the new bill.

A law which my own son may indirectly become the victim of.

- I'm sorry. - Don't apologise.

What do you want to do?

This needs some work, but it's a fine standard release.

It's more the point of... No!

- Welcome, Erik. - Hi. Nice place you've got here.

- Coffee or tea? - Tea's fine.

Welcome.

- Sit down. - Yes.

I'll go and give Birgitte a hand.

So, how are things in the New Right?

I'm certainly not going to tell you.

At this early stage, where we're a majority of former Moderates,

I'd like to stress that everyone's equal around this table.

Jon! I didn't think you were interested.

Well, it doesn't hurt to hear you out.

- Erik Hoffmann just arrived. - Hi.

- Hi, Jon. Welcome. - Well, I'll be damned.

I assume I'll be registered as co-founder.

- We're all co-founders here. - When do we go public?

I know this double game is unpleasant, but hang in there.

If a man like you goes independent, all the red flags will go up.

We need to define our key issues. And we need a member from the left.

I have to take this.

- Hello? - Hello.

Birgitte, we want to share some thoughts with you.

This is a far cry from the PM's Office, huh?

Why couldn't we meet somewhere else, Bent?

It's my duty as party leader

to heal the wounds after the conference.

- You come to give me your blessing? - I come to offer you a seat.

The seat you asked me for.

You're an obvious candidate for the Moderates.

- Who else? - And there's more.

Jacob wants to make you deputy leader.

- Are we talking a shared leadership? - Shared leadership. With one boss.

We'll sort out the practicalities.

This will put the Moderates in an extremely strong position.

- Come home. - But that's just it.

It's not my home anymore. It's no longer the party I once joined.

Developments these past 2 years have undermined the Moderate project.

The most viewed video is one of you shaking Hesselboe's hand.

The Moderates have turned into a right-wing supporting party.

So, is that your answer?

If your offer implies me condoning your line, the answer is no.

Okay.

That settles it then.

You do realise that we'll be opponents?

There's no middle way in the current political landscape.

I'm going to fight you tooth and nail, Birgitte.

You'll have my resignation within the hour. I am no longer a member.

Katrine, round up the troops.

We need to draft a press release and call a press conference tomorrow.

It was a no-go.

Promise me it's only a draft, okay?

Call me back before you release it.

How do we start?

- "Nyborg has formed a new party..." - "Nyborg and leading Moderates."

"Nyborg and leading MPs have formed a new party."

- What's the name of our party? - We don't have to say.

- What are we going to call ourselves? - The Centre Party?

- The Independents. - No, too irresponsible.

- Green Centre. - That's too 90s.

- How about the New Moderates? - No, we're not a party of defectors.

- Democratic Centre. - I like the democracy part.

The Free Democrats. Or is that too liberal? Well, sorry...

The New Democrats. We're new, and we're democrats.

It's neither too leftish nor too rightish.

- Fine. - Jon?

- New Democrats. - That's the name of our party.

Gather round, people.

- Nyborg is forming a new party. - Can we squeeze that in now?

The Moderates' media adviser is spreading rumours.

- Let's break it when we're sure. - It's Katrine.

Yes. It's true?

Okay. Lots of luck.

The press conference is tomorrow at 12:00. Katrine's their media adviser.

We're in for a busy day tomorrow. We may have to do special editions.

- Let's break it now. - Not until we get the press release.

- But it's news. - We don't know the specifics.

I want an exclusive with Birgitte Nyborg tomorrow night in the studio.

You're still up?

The eye infection is back, so he has to stay home tomorrow.

Want me to look after him?

I don't mind.

- Although I do miss your dad a bit. - I thought you liked this.

- It's almost midnight. - I'm sorry I didn't call.

You have a little child.

I'm sorry, but it's as if you don't realise that.

- Mum, please... - I'm serious.

You don't understand that you can't continue living like you did before.

Your home falls apart unless someone tends to it.

- Your finances... - Mum, please...

Dad and I helped you even when you had a well-paid job at TV1.

Now you're involved in an unpaid political project.

I don't really know who's in charge here.

Neither do I!

Perhaps because you watch over me like a hawk!

- You make me feel guilty. - Your focus is everywhere else.

No! I do things my way. I won't make apologies for my career.

No one's asking you to stay at home. Just get your priorities straight.

Sometimes you behave like a spoiled little brat.

Maybe it's hard for you to be a mother because you're a child inside.

Go home.

I mean it. Go home.

- Katrine... - No, you're absolutely right.

Thanks for all your help. Gustav and I will manage on our own now.

My Mum couldn't take him, and Kasper's at work.

He's got an eye infection, so I can't... Okay. Thanks.

Hey there, sweetie.

Up you go.

Hush now, sweetie.

Hi.

- This is it. - Yes.

And you chose today to bring your child to work.

- Are you okay? - I haven't slept a wink.

Join the club.

He just fell asleep.

The press conference is being moved to a larger conference room

due to the massive interest.

Scores of reporters fill the halls.

When a former PM forms her own party, it's a sensation.

You bet. We can't wait to hear the reactions.

What's the new party called?

Some say the Centre Party, some say Democratic Centre...

Birgitte...

I wrote a text to Yvonne Kjær offering her my resignation.

I can't send it.

Sure you can, Erik. Listen...

In a few moments, it'll be official. That'll make everything much easier.

Erik, just press 'send'.

- This is it. - I'm sorry.

Good morning.

Welcome to the New Democrats' first press conference.

Birgitte Nyborg, why have you formed a new party?

Because basically I'm proud of what we've achieved in this country

at our very best.

And because I just can't keep my mouth shut.

I can't help questioning the Denmark I'm seeing.

Are we inhospitable? Are we bigoted?

Are we arrogant? Devoid of solidarity?

Is that us? As Danes? As a people?

The answer is a bellowing no, if you ask the New Democrats.

But that's the picture parts of our legislature paint of us.

The message we send to the world and to each other.

We want to restore our pride in being Danish.

- Birgitte! - Yes, Hanne Holm.

You didn't make Moderate leader. Maybe your days in politics are over?

Only bad politicians give up when they don't get their policies through.

I know the media don't understand idealism,

but at the core of this is a desire to change the world.

You look like a gang of ex-Moderates nobody wants to play with.

Aren't you just a Moderate defector project?

No, we've teamed up because we want to voice the...

Let me introduce Erik Hoffmann, former deputy leader of the New Right.

Glad you could make it, Erik.

Less than two minutes ago, I resigned from the New Right,

of which I've been a member for 27 years.

It's been no easy task for me nor the others to leave parties

we've been members of since we were young.

Our agenda is not a petty one. We believe serious change is needed.

I had enough when I was asked to vote in favour of a bill

enabling Danish judges to consider

if we can deport citizens for the smallest of misdemeanours.

I will not be a party to that.

In this house we make laws.

Laws on which Danish society builds.

At the moment, we're passing more and more bills

that border alarmingly on breaching the constitution and human rights.

Bills that are the waste product of political horse-trades.

They're rushed through because they're too shameful to discuss.

The people don't get to have their say, and it's not just slovenly,

it's decidedly undemocratic.

Democracy is dialogue.

And that dialogue is fading out.

New Democrats will fight to re-open that dialogue.

- Nete, have you seen my bag? - Look in there.

Excuse me.

- Congratulations. - Thanks.

- Congratulations on your new job. - Thanks.

- I called for you the other day... - We'd like Nyborg in the 8:30.

I'm afraid she can't.

She can't? Why not?

We gave TV2 the first exclusive.

We don't want it to appear that we're only friends with TV1.

Well, you have one friend at TV1. Alex Hjort.

- You're out of line. - You gave it to TV2?

You fucking disappoint me.

I think you owe us just an ounce of loyalty.

You're backstabbing me.

Your greatest political achievements have been made with me by your side.

I know.

What do you want me to do, Bent?

I want you to let me join your new party.

You have 10,000 likes on Facebook. How does it feel?

Great.

It seems many people want Denmark to change its political course.

- Do you want to be PM? - I want influence...

Why did the other channel get the exclusive with Nyborg?

I mean, her media adviser is one of your former employees.

You're closer to Katrine than I am.

Remember what I said about the meta-narrative?

The last time we saw Nyborg on TV1, she was a loser.

Here's the winner Birgitte Nyborg on TV2 in a success interview.

We've got a problem, if you keep on handing me loser stories.