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Pia KjersgaardDanish politician
Date of Birth: 23.02.1947
Country:  Denmark |
Content:
- Pia Kjærsgaard: Danish Political Leader
- Political Career
- Controversies and Immigration Policies
- Speaker of the Parliament and Retirement
- Publications and Awards
- Personal Life
Pia Kjærsgaard: Danish Political Leader
Early Life and EducationPia Kjærsgaard was born on February 23, 1947, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her parents were Poul Kjærsgaard, a paint dealer, and Inge Munch Jensen, a homemaker. Kjærsgaard graduated from folk school in 1963 and from Copenhagen Commercial College (now Niels Brock Business College) in 1965.
Political Career
Kjærsgaard's political journey began in 1984 when she was elected to the Folketing (Danish Parliament) as a member of the Progress Party. She served as the party's political leader from 1985 to 1994.
In 1995, Kjærsgaard co-founded the Danish People's Party (DPP) and became its first chairperson. Under her leadership, the DPP gained significant support, winning 13 seats in Parliament in 1998. The party became a kingmaker in the government led by Anders Fogh Rasmussen, securing 22 seats in 2001, 25 seats in 2007, and 22 seats in 2011.
Controversies and Immigration Policies
Kjærsgaard's tenure as DPP leader was marked by controversy over her party's anti-immigration platform. The DPP's slogan, "Denmark for the Danes," sparked widespread debate.
During the Muhammad cartoons controversy in 2005-2006, Kjærsgaard hailed the Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard as a "national hero." In the 2007 election campaign, the DPP used an image of the Prophet Muhammad on its posters, prompting condemnation from Muslim leaders.
Speaker of the Parliament and Retirement
In 2015, Kjærsgaard became Speaker of the Folketing, serving until 2019. She stepped down following the DPP's defeat in the 2019 parliamentary elections.
Publications and Awards
Kjærsgaard has authored several books, including her autobiography, "Because I Had To," co-written with journalist Jette Meier Carlsen. She has also been awarded the Order of the Dannebrog in all four degrees, becoming a Commander 1st Class in 2018.
Personal Life
Kjærsgaard has been married to state auditor Henrik Thorup since 1967.
