Peter Skaarup (born 1 May 1964) is a Danish politician who currently serves as a member of the Folketing for Copenhagen. Skaarup has served in the Danish Folketing since 11 March 1998, was deputy chairman from 1998 to 2012, and was parliamentary leader for the Danish People's Party from 27 September 2012 to June 2022.[1][2]
Peter Skaarup | |
|---|---|
 Peter Skaarup in October 2011 | |
| Member of the Folketing | |
| Assumed office 11 March 1998 | |
| Constituency | Copenhagen (from 2007) Østre (1998—2007) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 May 1964 Aarhus, Denmark |
| Political party | Denmark Democrats (2022–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Progress Party (until 1995) Danish People's Party (1995–2022) |
Background edit
Skaarup grew up in the Aarhus suburb Brabrand. His father was the retired photo technician Hans Skaarup and former member of Folketing Birthe Skaarup. He graduated from Aarhus Cathedral School in 1982 and then worked as technical consultant for the Danish railway's travel division from 1986 to 1990. Skaarup is married to the veterinary nurse Therese Skaarup.[3]
Political career edit
In 1990 Skaarup also became party secretary of the political party Fremskridtspartiet but in 1995 he left to help co-found Dansk Folkeparti where he worked as secretary chief until 1998. By the end of the 1990s he also became a member of a number of organizations such as Østerbro local council, Dansk Udenrigspolitisk Institut, Copenhagen Capacity, Københavns Borgerrepræsentation, Danish People's Party board and been a board member of Ørestadsselskabet.[1][4]
Skaarup was elected to Folketinget at the 1998 Danish general election and from 1998 to 2012 he was the vice-chairman of the Danish People's Party. He has been the president of the Folketinget's Committee for Law and vice-chairman of Folketinget's Committee for Transportation. Skaarup was for a number of years the official speaker on issues related to foreigners and immigrants, before he became speaker of law.[1]
Political stance edit
Skaarup supports immigrant repatriation from Denmark.[5] He has advocated for the voluntary return of migrants "struggling to adapt to Danish society".[6] He has stated that immigrants from outside of the European Union, and specifically "Nordic countries",[7] were the main concern, and has clarified that the Danish government should be targeting "nationals from non-Western countries".[8]
Skaarup also supports removing the age of criminal responsibility.[9]
Honours and decorations edit
References edit
- ^ a b c "Peter Skaarup". Den Store Danske (in Danish). Gyldendal's ENcyclopedia. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
- ^ Biography on the website of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget). Accessed on 29 June 2019.
- ^ "Peter Skaarup (DF)". Ft.dk. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
- ^ "Peter Skaarup" (in Danish). Danish People's Party. Archived from the original on 25 September 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
- ^ "Denmark offers immigrants $21,000 to leave country". Edmonton Journal. November 10, 2009.
- ^ "Denmark offers immigrants £12,000 to return home". The Telegraph. November 10, 2009.
- ^ "Denmark offers immigrants €13K to return home". RTÉ.ie. November 10, 2009.
- ^ "Denmark urges immigrants 'Home' for cash". Arab Times. November 11, 2009.
- ^ "DF vil fjerne den kriminelle lavalder". 11 August 2011.