Borgen (2010–2013): Season 1, Episode 10 - Første tirsdag i oktober - full transcript

Damn it, you know this.
I had an affair with Yvonne. It's over,

but done is done!

You can't just disappear for several days
without me knowing where.

I get scared, and I start thinking.

And then I thought
that perhaps you were with another woman.

I was.

Birgitte Nyborg, yesterday a press release
from Via Electronics said

that your husband Phillip Christensen
is resigning as CEO.

You can't do this!

[Birgitte] It's about the fact that
my husband can't profit economically

from my policies.



As long as he's married to me, anyway.

Who the fuck do you think you are?

Go clear your desk and go on vacation,
and I will call you.

You can spend your vacation pondering
if you want to be on this team!

Why won't you talk to me?

Because we don't talk, Birgitte.

That's something we used to do.

"A prince always has legitimate reason not
to keep his promises."

[Simon]
It will be a prime minister under pressure

opening the Parliament
on the first Tuesday of October.

In a new poll from Gallup,
the Moderates stand to lose five seats.

The Green Party would lose two seats,

whereas the Worker's Party
gains five seats.

This means that the government,
despite the gains from the Worker's Party,



would lose its majority,
if elections were held today.

With me is former chairman
of the Worker's Party

and current editor-in-chief
at Ekspres, Michael Laugesen.

- Good morning, Michael.
- Good morning.

[Simon] In your editorial today, you write
under the headline "Lost,"

that Birgitte Nyborg should
resign as prime minister.

That's correct.

Nyborg has lost focus.
She's gotten lost in single issues.

She's lost the big perspective.

And that is a fatal error
to commit as prime minister.

[Simon] You've also graded
the different ministers,

and to start at the bottom, you are quite
harsh with Finance Minister Bent Sejrø,

who gets a three out of ten.

Birgitte Nyborg narrowly gets a five.
You seem like a very tough critic.

I've just given the grade
the people would give.

- [Simon] Could you elaborate?
- What does she actually want with Denmark?

You could start with that question.

Look, I don't think she has
any idea what to do with Denmark.

You must eat something, Birgitte.
You can't live on coffee and newspapers.

This is nice and home-baked
for you from my wife.

I'm so lucky.

- Since there is nothing here.
- [laughs]

How are you feeling?

You mean besides the polls
and the negative press?

Yeah, government has its price,
but it's always been like that.

- And look who profits from it.
- The Worker's Party.

Precisely. So...

prepare for the Worker's Party putting
the screws on you in the coming days.

What's your advice?

Give them a little of what they want.
But not everything.

How are things at home?

I don't know.

Or it's not well.

The last three weeks
we've just avoided each other.

We take turns sleeping at home
and being with the kids.

And we tell them the other one
is at work and will be home soon.

And then we smile.

And where is Phillip?

Yes, that's a good question.
I think he's seeing somebody.

Well, it doesn't matter. Trust me.

I know it seems hurtful right now,
but in the greater scheme of things...

it doesn't have to be over.

My husband is with another woman, Bent.

Listen, I don't know
of a single happy marriage at Borgen.

- And do you know why?
- Hmm.

We are skilled at compromising on the job,
but terrible at it in private.

It's hard to compromise,
when you're not even talking.

Then go home and talk to him.

I mean, you might as well.
You can't focus on the job anyway.

Arrange yourselves based
on your current possibilities.

You can't be happy all the time,
but you can arrange yourselves.

Arrange yourselves!

And eat that bun.

[theme music playing]

FIRST TUESDAY IN OCTOBER

[John F. Kennedy
speaking English indistinctly]

...will light our country
and all who serve it.

And the glow from that fire...

can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans,

ask not

what your country can do for you,

ask what you can do for your country.

[crowd cheering, applauding]

[Kasper] Let us make common cause

on the freedom of the individual
and be free...

to...

free enough to dare to fight
for the common good.

Let us create a Denmark where everyone
is free to seek out

their own happiness

but also have a duty to the community.

- Why are you here?
- I didn't want to disturb you.

- How long have you been here?
- Not long, I just came to pick up

some of this week's slack.

- It's usually quiet here on Sundays.
- Right.

- What do you think?
- About what?

The speech. Since you've been
eavesdropping, I'd like your opinion.

- It's not my area.
- Stop it, Sanne. I want to know.

Well...

then perhaps you should use
another word than "duty."

That sounds like something
you don't like.

- Duty?
- You said "duty to the community."

- The common good sounds bad.
- No.

"Duty" is a word
that inspires participation.

Okay.

- I don't know much about it.
- I shouldn't have asked. My mistake.

- Could you close the door on your way out?
- Sure.

[Kasper] Thanks.

[Kennedy]
Ask not what America will do for you,

but what together we can do
for the freedom of man.

[crowd applauding, cheering]

[Hanne] You're looking desperate, Juul.

Problems with the opening speech?

Or have you become punch drunk,
working on a Sunday, like the rest of us?

[lighter clicks]

By the way, Kasper.

That fat, little Leif Richter
from Celebrities and Royalty

has been hiding in a bush by Marienborg

and posits that the prime minister
has slept alone the past few weeks.

Is it true?

It sure must be tough
on the personal life being prime minister.

Especially when you've had
to remove your own husband

from a CEO position.

He's barking up the wrong tree.

Is he really?

You owe me one, Kasper.

Dogs!

That's fine, Bjørn. Bye.

- Hi.
- Hi.

I think it would be wise to promote

the cooperation with the Worker's Party
in the opening speech, Kasper.

- Was that Marrot?
- Yes.

Have they gotten delusions of grandeur
after the latest polls?

Mm-hmm.

Um, Birgitte.

There is a tiny rumor going around
that you sleep alone at Marienborg.

Should we discuss this?

No.

We just don't want a negative personal
story before the opening of Parliament.

Aren't you going home for a bath?

- Have a nice Sunday.
- You too.

[door opens, closes]

- I didn't know you were home.
- I wasn't.

I thought we could talk.

- Yes.
- We need to find a more...

durable solution to our family life.

Birgitte, I didn't know you would be here,
so I'd like to take a bath.

- Yes, of course.
- Yeah.

- We'll talk after, right?
- Yes, okay.

Where were you?

Okay.

- Who is she?
- Birgitte.

Don't.

- Why can't I know who your girlfriend is?
- She's not my girlfriend.

- Who is she?
- You don't know her, damn it!

Her name is Sascha.
She's from the agency...

- that found the job for me.
- So it's your headhunter?

[sighs] Yes.

- So you had to compensate for quitting?
- I didn't quit.

- You quit for me.
- And you slept with her.

- And you're still meeting...
- Yes!

- You came straight from her place!
- Yes, I did!

You are having an affair!

I'm sorry, I can't do it.
I can't talk like this.

You stink of her!
You come home to our house...

- [sighs] Birgitte.
- ...smelling of another woman!

[Kasper knocks on door] Hello.

Where have you been?

At Rhodes.

- The retirees' club?
- [laughs] Open it.

- Why don't you have a tan?
- I remembered I hate to lie on beaches,

so I was mostly in my room
watching the news.

Did you see
they are using Simon as anchor?

Yes, why?

Because I was fired.

After interviewing the prime minister,
where I broke the agreement.

Technically I'm on vacation,
but I don't think he wants me back.

Goddamn it.

I decided that perhaps it's a good thing.

We disagreed more and more editorially.

He sucks up to the bosses
and only cares about ratings, and I...

just feel like I should be digging deeper.

- No. [scoffs]
- Only just turned 30.

And you already want to dictate
the editorial line

at the biggest TV station in the country.

If I'm not idealistic now, then when?

Oh, right, I don't expect you
to understand.

And what does that mean?

Give me a break. Idealist?
That's never been you.

You always say that

you can sell any political message,
no matter the political party.

Is that a lie?

People do change.

- [laughs] Sure thing. Cheers to that.
- Cheers. Welcome home.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

- Did you read my draft of the speech?
- Yes. It needs another go.

- What do you think?
- I agree, I'm afraid.

It sounds too much
like any other prime minister.

- Right. Kasper, we need to talk. Sit down.
- I'd like to...

Sure.

[clears throat] All right.

Since I had to ask Phillip to leave
his job, we've been having problems.

And I've spent a lot of time
at Marienborg.

I see.

Yes.

I don't really know
where we are headed right now,

but I'd like for it
to be kept secret for now.

Of course.

But we might need to address
the rumors you mentioned.

Yes. Um...

we've had a longstanding request from TV1.

They want an interview with you.

- Professionally and personally.
- No, Kasper, we've been through that.

- I won't.
- And I understand,

but try to rethink the situation.

If you and Phillip could appear happy
and well-balanced together,

we'd be able to dispel any hint
of marital problems.

- You're asking us to pretend.
- It's a good look

if people get to see you two together.

Naturally, we need a...

skilled and competent journalist to do
the interview, that goes without saying.

- Who did you have in mind?
- Katrine Fønsmark.

Who has broken agreements and best
practices for journalism several times?

Isn't that how we want journalists?

Yes, when I'm minister of the press
and award the Cavling Prize

for investigative journalism.
This is different.

She can create the personal space
where you do best.

And that is your big strength, Birgitte.

This is our opportunity to control
everything that comes out.

And this could potentially
make up for the polls the last few days.

Hey, Torben. It's Kasper Juul.

Listen, I've got a present for you.
If you and I can agree...

that portrait of the prime minister.

[Phillip sighs]

Are you in love with her?

No.

No, of course not.

I miss you.

But I can't find you.

When I find you...

I can't always recognize you.

I know you've paid and are still paying
a really big price.

But I don't know
what to do different right now.

I can't create more time.

- I can't be home more.
- I'm not accusing you of not being home.

I'm accusing you
of not being here when you are.

- That's your version.
- Yes.

Maybe I feel differently. But the fact is
that we are both missing something.

Yes.

I don't want to lose you.

I have a suggestion.

You and I stay together
and get through this.

I'll move home.

You're my husband publicly...

but I'll have to accept
that you seek out some kind of...

intimacy on the side.

I'm about to open Parliament

and fight for a finance bill
with a government in dissolution.

Birgitte.

Are you serious?

Yes, I am.

And I want to ask you
for two things.

First of all, be discreet with
what you do on the side.

And I'd like to ask you

to agree to an interview

with TV1,

where we end press speculations
regarding our personal lives.

All right, Laura.
Find your jacket, we are going.

Magnus!

I don't want to.

[Phillip] What?

- I won't go.
- We don't have time for that. Come on.

[Magnus] No! I don't want to!

I'll drive him. Just go.

- Are you sure?
- Yes.

See you, have a nice day!

- [Laura] Bye!
- Bye!

[Phillip] Bye!

[Birgitte] Find your bag, honey.
We leave in five minutes.

- I don't want to go to school!
- But you have to, honey.

I won't go!

Oh, honey...

There, there.

- Good morning.
- [man] Good morning.

Hello there, Magnus.

- [Magnus] Hi!
- Hi.

Magnus is gonna be with me at work today.

- You know, there's a camera crew, right?
- Yes.

And you're not afraid of a mess with...

- Hello.
- Hi!

I'm so glad you're here, Magnus,
I have a dire need for your help.

- Aren't you really good at stapling?
- Yes.

I'm sorry it's taking so long
to get another secretary,

but I think Sanne will be moved soon.

I see no need to hurry.

- I think she's warm and good with kids.
- Quite so.

But perhaps that's not quite
what we look for here.

Um, do you think it's appropriate for them
to film your son being with you at work?

- They won't.
- Oh, okay. That's good.

[Simon]
Are the segments ready for 8:30 p.m.?

They are working on the first two.

[Simon] And 6:30 p.m.?

- [Dan] Three segments are ready...
- Hello, Katrine!

- Hi.
- [Torben] Come closer, don't hide.

Hello.

- Right.
- Yes.

Ms. Fønsmark and I have had a little...

sensitive, personal talk about journalism

and especially the chain of command here,

and we've actually decided there's room
for one more dance.

- That's wonderful.
- Yes, great.

- [Pia] So you're back.
- [Ulrik] Welcome back.

Katrine has gotten a very specific task
that I'd like to brief you all on now.

The portrait of the prime minister,

we've been trying to get
since Nyborg took office,

it has finally been approved.

The prime minister said yes?

- Yes.
- Seeing her privately and at the office?

Exactly. We are starting
this afternoon already.

And I've decided
that Katrine gets this assignment.

- Congratulations, Katrine.
- [Ulrik] Wait, let me get this straight.

I've been attached as interviewer
on that portrait since day one. Right?

- We'll talk later.
- No, we'll talk now, Torben.

I contacted the prime minister's office
one week after Nyborg took office.

Finally, one year later, a green light
is given, and Katrine gets it?

I can tell you that the boss and I
completely agree

- that Katrine should do the interview...
- Why is that?

Because, Ulrik,
she has a very special ability

to create the intimate space
in the personal conversation. That's why.

- "The intimate space"?
- Yes.

Listen, perhaps do this without me.

- We don't have to.
- [Simon] I just need to know,

does this mean Katrine is back
as evening anchor?

I hope so. And I can tell you, Simon,

that I never said you were anything
but a stand-in.

And this is not because Katrine's ex
is the prime minister's chief of press?

- [Torben] Stop. Everyone's been briefed.
- Torben.

We are going to talk about this.

Goddamn it.

I want to date the prime minister's
spin doctor in my next life.

- Right, the princess is back.
- [Ulrik sighs]

- Welcome back, Katrine.
- Thanks, Pia.

Mm-hmm. Yes.

Fine. We'll talk later. Bye.

[Birgitte] Kasper...

The TV1 interview.
I don't think we can do it after all.

- What? They are here in four hours.
- I know.

But my family is at the breaking point.

Laura is silent.
Magnus cries and won't go to school.

It's just...

Okay.

What if we get a chance
to review the material?

And edit it.

Edit material we've given to the news?

- That's never happened before.
- Birgitte, we can't afford...

you being dragged through
the tabloid mud with your personal life.

Least of all now.

See what you can do.

This is coming from you. It's your idea.

You have four hours.

[door opens, closes]

Oh, boy, Torben.

I'm sorry, but we have to
cancel the interview.

[chuckles] That's funny.

You're kidding, right?

I'm sorry.

You can't do that. I have
two crews filming every day for a week.

I just rehired a young
pain-in-the-ass journalist,

- because you specifically asked for her.
- Like I said, I'm sorry.

But you've been overbid.

- By who?
- Channel 2 will give us editing rights.

Excuse me.

That's a goddamn lie.

- I'll ask them.
- Be my guest.

But I doubt they'd ever
admit it officially.

- Look, that is unheard of.
- Yes.

It's a violation of all the fundamental
rules of journalism.

Torben, we agree completely.

But if you look at it from our side,
it's practical.

And I know you, I've worked here.

And I knew you'd never agree to it.

- [scoffs] You bet I won't.
- And I accept that completely,

even though it's only
for the personal interview.

- The personal part?
- Yes, at home with the prime minister.

Out of consideration
for her kids and husband.

Birgitte is a very caring woman.

- That's what so interesting.
- [chuckles] That's what I'm saying.

I understand your position completely!

And that's why Channel 2 gets the story.

I'm sorry to have wasted your time.

[Torben] Hey, hey, Kasper! Kasper.

Come back here.

Close the door.

If you get what you want...

I get total autonomy
in the prime minister's office.

No interference from you.

I need that in writing.

Fine, you'll get it in writing.

Thanks for the coffee.

Let me start by saying
that the opening speech you've read

is of course still only a draft.

I still feel it lacks
environmental ambition.

I don't agree, Amir.

We are still aiming at increased tax
on carbon emissions

and 20% growth in green energy
over the next ten years.

This is of course a compromise compared
to the Green Party's proposal,

but that's the reality
in a government like ours.

Does anybody have anything?

- Yes.
- I'd like to discuss the polls.

The polls are not on the agenda, Pernille.

No, but we could discuss them later?

- Yes, of course.
- [Birgitte] Yes.

I'd appreciate if you honored agreements
when journalists are present, Pernille.

I know, but Bjørn told me
he'd already tried to talk to you

yesterday regarding the polls.

- And that you didn't get far.
- No, I had other business.

The Worker's Party is now
undoubtedly biggest in the country.

Yes.

This must be reflected
in the division of ministries.

What do you want, Bjørn?

Well, we'll find it reasonable if we get...

The Ministry of Finance.

Bent Sejrø is Minister of Finance.

But since it came out
he had a relationship with Yvonne Kjær,

- we don't feel that we can trust him.
- You can't be serious.

It's old gossip only renewed
by Laugesen's book.

Was that relationship the reason why
we passed the finance bill with New Right?

No, that was political skill on my part.

Bent is the minister doing most poorly
in the public's opinion.

He guards the money and says no.

Show me one popular minister of finance.

The minister of finance is here.

Tell him to wait a minute.
We will be finished soon.

Bent is an old man, after all.

[Bjørn] We can't overlook that you've got
both prime minister and the treasury.

It is only fair to split them between
the two biggest government parties.

We are not making demands.
We are informing the prime minister,

and she makes the proper decision.

- [Bjørn] Thank you, Birgitte.
- Thank you.

[chattering]

[Sanne] That's fine. I'll make sure of it.

Yes, I'll handle that. Good.

Right, bye.

Sanne.

Let's see if the last time
was a lucky punch

or if you really have a talent
for theatrics.

That will have to be later.
Magnus and I are busy right now.

- Really?
- I'm serious.

I can't take care of both Magnus,
my own job and now yours too.

All right, then let's meet tonight.

And we'll go through the speech there.

And I'll bring sushi.

Tonight?

- It's a date.
- Okay.

Hi. We are done now...

Is the prime minister's son
with her at work?

- He sure is.
- [Katrine] Does that happen often?

Thanks for now. It's been swell.

- [laughs] Can I get two minutes with him?
- No.

And no, this is not an attempt
to control the free press.

Just be glad you got the interview.

Word on the street is
you got me my job back.

You would never do that, right?

- No.
- Thank you.

See you.

Did you know that Kennedy's speechwriter
actually was of Danish heritage?

Hell yes.

Ted Sørensen.

His mom and dad traveled
from Denmark to the USA,

so their son got the chance to write
the speeches that changed the world.

What's fantastic about Kennedy's
inaugural speech is

that it has both pathos...

and simultaneously creates

a feeling of close kinship
with the president.

Well...

you'll just have to write
something similar.

- [Kasper sighs]
- [Sanne laughs]

Don't ask what Birgitte Nyborg
can do for you...

- Because she doesn't want to hear you.
- [laughs]

- So do it yourself.
- [laughs]

Sanne, I can't just copy the text.

I could perhaps copy the structure.

It's built sort of
like a three-stage rocket.

How so?

Kennedy...

starts a sentence with "ask not"
three times.

It creates rhythm.

The rhythm brings us down into our body.

A politician must never speak only
to the mind.

But also to...

the gut.

And to the heart.

That is where the words stick.

[panting]

[elevator bell dings]

[muttering]

- Oh.
- [Kasper clears throat]

Good evening.
I didn't know there was anyone here.

The light in the front office has been out
for a while.

Right, but Birgitte needs the new draft
of the speech by tomorrow.

- And...
- I was helping.

- Right.
- But I was headed home.

Thank you for helping.

Well, then get home safe.

[Sanne] Thank you.

I expect you to clean up
after yourself, Kasper.

I don't like having bawling little
secretaries running around the ministry.

Of course.

Good.

I'm excited to hear your speech.

Can you be both prime minister
and a housewife who...

bakes buns and mows the lawn?

No, I can't.
I don't bake or take care of the garden.

Phillip runs the shop at home.

My job is at the ministry.

And besides, I'm terrible at baking,

so everybody wins.

Being prime minister is a special job
that requires more of the family.

But fortunately, we...

all agree on that.

[Katrine] Was that division of labor
agreed upon before the election result,

or did you figure it out on the way?

[laughs] Nothing was agreed upon
before the election result,

I can assure you, nothing was prepared.
Um...

I think the most important thing is...

to have the right husband.

And that's what I have. [chuckles]

Otherwise, nothing can work.

That places great demands
on the right husband. Um...

where do you find all that energy?

[chuckles] Uh, well, I mean...

[clears throat] Having energy
for the ones you love, I feel like it...

comes pretty naturally.

Yes.

Did you have an ice skating competition
tomorrow, Laura?

Yes, I'm going with Mathilde.

- Do you want me to drive you?
- You don't have to.

- Can I be excused? I'm done eating.
- [Birgitte] Mm-hmm.

- Thanks for dinner.
- You are welcome.

[Laura] Thanks for dinner.

You're welcome.

I've also got that meeting.

Right.

Thank you for today. I think it went
really well with that interview.

I assume that...

you'll be back before the kids wake up.

Of course.

Bye.

[cell phone rings]

- Hi, Kasper.
- Birgitte, sorry to disturb.

It's okay.

I just agreed with the news chief

that I'll come
and watch the interview tomorrow.

Katrine won't know.
She doesn't come in until later.

If we make any changes,
the story will be...

- that the news chief asked for them.
- Okay.

I don't feel good about it.

It's not something we normally do.

Kasper, it was your suggestion,
and I wouldn't have agreed otherwise.

- No, but...
- There's nothing to discuss.

Listen, find your inner cynic
or consider it an order

if that's easier. All right?

- Bye.
- Goodbye.

[clicks]

[Birgitte] Laura, are you sitting there?

Where did Dad go?

[clears throat] He had a meeting.

What meeting?

I don't know. Just a meeting.

What are they meeting about?

- It's just a meeting, Laura.
- What meeting?

Just a meeting, Laura!

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

I think I'm a little tired.

- I'm sorry.
- What's happening with you and Dad, Mom?

I don't know.

It's a little difficult right now. We...

we make each other very sad.

But we are fighting to stay together.
We'll figure it out.

We'll figure it out.

- [Birgitte groans]
- [sniffles]

That places great demands
on the right husband. Um...

where do you find all that energy?

[Phillip] Having energy for the ones you
love, I feel like it...

comes pretty naturally.

- [clicks]
- [Dan] We end there.

What about the clip where...

Phillip talks about Birgitte's dedication?

- Which one?
- There was a clip...

[Dan] There are some here.

Continue. Continue.

That one.

[Dan] Let's listen.

Which word best describes
your wife Birgitte?

Dedicated.

I think Birgitte is one of the most...

dedicated persons I've ever met.

And I think that's because she just can't
help fighting for what she believes in.

Didn't you just ask to have that cut
because he looked lost in the middle?

Try making a...

a cut with Birgitte and the kids
between those two statements.

We have one where she does homework
with the kids.

Ulrik, didn't you read
the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door?

Have we got a new man on the team?

- Where's Katrine?
- Ulrik, we are working. Could you please?

Hi, Katrine. It's Ulrik.

I just saw something you should know.

[Dan] It will look like this.

[Phillip] Dedicated.

I think Birgitte is one of the most...

dedicated persons I've ever met.

And I think that's because she just can't
help fighting for what she believes in.

Sanne, I said no disturbances.

[Phillip] Birgitte.

Hi.

I didn't sleep at Sascha's last night.

- I don't need to know where you sleep.
- No.

I'm just saying I didn't sleep at all.

I've been sitting in the car...

all night and been thinking...

about yesterday.

[Phillip clears throat]

Do you remember when we saw...

Lars Hesselboe and his wife on TV...

- right after the last election?
- Yes.

That we would never be like that and...

That's a year ago, Birgitte.

- One year.
- Phillip.

- Phillip, give it some time.
- No.

No, listen to me now.

Okay.

[Phillip clears throat]

The most wonderful thing...

that's happened in my life...

is what... you and I had together.

You and I.

But...

in the interview we did yesterday...

we were turning all that into a parody.

And we are good at it.

We could...

damn it, we could...

lie while smiling.

But I won't, Birgitte, and I can't.

What do you want then?

I want a divorce.

As quickly as possible.

This can't be what we remember.

[door closes]

[huffs]

- [cell phone rings]
- One moment.

[Pia] Goddamn.

Birgitte.

- Hi, Kasper, we have a problem.
- Yes.

I'm getting divorced.

And it is certain and irrevocable?

Yes.

Regarding the interview...

Don't worry, I'll handle it.

Thank you.

[Phillip] Dedicated.

I think Birgitte is one of the most...

dedicated...

I'm sorry, but it's not going to work out.

What do you mean?

[Kasper] You can't broadcast it.

But we edited it to please you.

[Kasper] Yes, but now there is a new
development that I can't disclose.

I want you to erase all footage
from the prime minister's home.

No way!
We've been working non-stop for this.

It's already far out that Katrine
isn't here. You can't do this!

There is nothing to discuss.

Torben Friis signed a paper giving us

complete veto on everything taped
in the prime minister's home.

- So, how's it going?
- [Kasper] Torben.

I assume you cleared this
with your people?

[Pia] What's going on, Torben?

I don't know. What's the issue?

Could we talk alone for a minute?

Listen, we have to compromise.

Torben, we have a contract.

Yes.

And I assume that...

Katrine doesn't need to know about this.

Of course, I'll just make it look like
it was the boss who...

made the decision.

[Bent] Birgitte. Have you seen Ekspres?

They keep writing
about my affair with Yvonne.

It's simply ridiculous!

I guarantee you, this is pure spin.
Someone is trying to discredit me.

- Who do you think?
- I don't know. Anyone.

Hesselboe.

To bring back Yvonne into his alliance.

By spreading rumors
about us being close to her,

she'll probably keep her distance.

Or the Worker's Party.

- Why them?
- Like you said, they smell victory

after the favorable polls.

They want more influence.

Damn it. Well...

Screw it.

Just don't listen to nonsense like that.

It's nonsense! Nonsense! [sighs]

How's your wife taking it?

She...

we've arranged ourselves.

What about you?

It was unfortunately too late.

I'm getting divorced.

Oh, my.

Can I do anything?

Katrine, we need to talk...

"The award is given for the series'
uncompromising,

provoking picture of the dark side
of the Danish justice system.

Told with a deep respect
for the highest virtues of journalism,

political autonomy and non-partisanship."
Do you recognize it?

It's the Cavling committee's reason
from 1998, back when you won it.

- Thanks for that subtle point.
- How could you!

[scoffs] If we hadn't agreed to it,
Channel 2 would have done it.

Idealism is great,
but we must follow progress.

Torben, you let the prime minister's
spin doctor edit a news segment!

That's the fucking opposite of progress!

We are the biggest station
in the country, okay?

There are many agendas here every day.

I have to assess grants,
the new political agreement on media.

- There are a thousand things.
- No, there's one thing!

It's so easy to be an idealist
without responsibility!

You have a responsibility
that you severely failed!

In other countries,
journalists die defending a free press.

You just piss on it!

You let yourself be gagged
voluntarily, and I won't be a part of it.

I'll mail you my resignation.

I'm sorry about you and Phillip,
and if there's anything I can do,

- let me know.
- Thank you.

We'll keep it secret for now.

The kids won't be told until Tuesday
after the opening of Parliament.

And, Kasper, when we go public,
I don't want a big media show,

keep it short and unsentimental.

Of course, but it goes without saying
that the more we...

downplay this,
the less sympathy you'll reap.

Well, you can't have it all, right?

Which leads me to the speech, Kasper.

It's really great work, but...

this has to be a speech that aims higher.

Fine.

Then what do you want? Huh?

Why should I keep voting for you?
Do you just want to stay in power?

We've accomplished a hell of a lot
this first year.

- We are changing Denmark.
- What do you want?

I want to tell the Danes
they are better than they think.

They've just forgotten it.

Because everyone has the right to...

a new car, a great kitchen,
a loving family, a mistress and a boat.

We've long been living in a world
where everyone at any point could

pursue their own personal happiness.

And we've felt unfairly treated
if we didn't get it.

Perhaps it's time to realize
you can't have it all.

Just don't make it a lecture.

It's positive to be a part
of a community.

Well, the Danish people
have proven that many times.

That they are ready for the hard choice,
when the chips are down,

ready to sacrifice.

We've just forgotten it.

We only sing it in church
when somebody has died.

"Fight for all that you hold dear."

That's got something.

I've got it now.
I promise you will like it.

I'm going to the Mirror Room to write,

so please don't disturb me.
Just say I'm in a meeting.

Kasper, perhaps you and I should talk.

About yesterday.

[Kasper] Yes.

Yes, of course.

Listen, I...

I think it was fantastic
to go through the speech with you.

And it was nice to...

to...

I...

I would normally ask you out
on a date now.

- And hope to pick up where we left...
- It's fine. Okay.

You can't have everything.

- No.
- [sighs]

[Bjørn] Birgitte.

You've probably read that the press
keeps writing about Sejrø and Yvonne.

- I wonder who has an interest in that.
- [chuckles]

When a relationship at Borgen
weakens the government,

- it is in the public's interest to know.
- Stop it.

It concerns an old, private
and finished affair.

You make it sound like high treason.
I refuse to discuss it like this.

But you won't refuse to discuss
a more fair division

- of the most powerful ministries?
- [Pernille] Right.

Because I'm afraid
our party insists on it.

- And the Green Party supports it.
- The Green Party?

Mm-hmm.

Have you had talks without me?

Not talks, but Amir
is sympathetic to our view.

I'm opening Parliament on Tuesday.

Preferably with a strong,
united government behind me.

I think your method and timing
is very peculiar.

The timing is perfect.

We start with a little
government reshuffle

to trim the team
for the new Parliament year.

You want to stay in power,
and we want to support you.

Our stock with the voters
is better than yours.

That's all.

Thanks for the chat.

Could you sign these before you leave?

Yes.

Sanne, could you and I talk later today?

Yes.

Niels Erik, um...

I just had a chat with the Worker's Party.

We should inform the royal court

that I will present a new minister
during the opening of Parliament.

I'll contact the lord chamberlain
right away.

And I need to see the minister of finance
before he leaves today.

Could you schedule it?

Yes, of course.

Thank you.

[bells chiming]

[Bent] Thank you.

The Worker's Party is twisting my arm.

They insist that your affair
with Yvonne Kjær

has sown mistrust among
the government parties.

[scoffs] That's ridiculous.

And they've got Amir on board.

This is pure hysteria.

Do I need to publicly apologize or what?

[speaks English]
Sorry, I had sex with that woman.

[chuckles]

Well, it's got nothing to do with that.

The affair is just leverage
for another purpose entirely.

Bent, they want the Ministry of Finance.

[chuckles, speaking Danish] You don't
have to give it to them. Right?

Birgitte, I'm not finished yet.

I might not be so young anymore, but I...

I have the experience,
and I know the game.

- Politics has been my life.
- Right, and this is politics, Bent.

I need you to resign.

Well...

then I'll have time to tend
to my hydrangeas.

[grunting]

- [glass shatters]
- [shouts, sobs]

[Simon] It is the first Tuesday
of October,

and all political debates these days
have been about the opening speech

Birgitte Nyborg will give in a minute,
when a new year in Parliament begins.

There is also great attention
on the cabinet reshuffle

the prime minister announced
a few days ago.

Bent Sejrø surprisingly chose
to resign the powerful seat

as minister of finance,

which allowed Birgitte Nyborg to solidify
her relationship with the Worker's Party

by giving them the Ministry of Finance,
which will be headed by Pernille Madsen.

The reshuffle sends a strong signal
on change

and adaptability,
which according to analysts shows

that Denmark now has
a determined and realistic prime minister.

I give the word to the prime minister.

LIVE

What holds a nation together?

I stood as a young student
at Rådhuspladsen in Copenhagen

on the 26th of June, 1992.

Denmark had just won
the European Championship in soccer.

That night I had no doubt
that we were one people.

A people who knew almost all the words
to "Der er et yndigt land."

And we were astounded.

For 140 years,
we'd gotten used to being a nation

of lighthearted losers
who often lost to the Germans.

Suddenly, we were the ones
who had beaten them.

For many years now,
we've become accustomed to having it all.

And now that we must accustom ourselves
to not being so rich anymore,

we've become lost,

and we worry about things that
wouldn't have bothered us at all before.

Do you want to see something?

[Birgitte] Each one of us
with a seat here in Parliament

represents 30,000 Danes.

All their hopes for a better future,
they have placed with us.

I believe more than anything
that we now need to show

a responsibility that goes beyond
narrow party differences,

shortsighted partisan politics
and mudslinging.

I believe

that we humans need each other.

I believe we belong together as a nation.

I believe that there is more to unite us
than divide us.

I deeply believe

that we are still the same people

who partied together that June night
at Rådhuspladsen.

And for those who might have
forgotten the lyrics, the last verse says,

"Our old Denmark shall endure."

Let's make sure of that.

Together.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[clamoring]

- Fantastic speech.
- Thanks, Yvonne.

- Damn, you've never been better.
- [Birgitte] Thanks, Amir.

Congratulations, Birgitte. Excellent.

Lars Hesselboe, as Denmark's
prime minister for seven years,

how was it seeing someone else
give the opening speech?

I mostly noticed the usual clichés.

Birgitte,
let me completely off the record

commend you for
an unusually good opening speech.

[Birgitte] Thanks, Svend Åge.

I did what was necessary.

That's what a prime minister does.

[woman] Kasper.

- A beautiful speech.
- [Kasper] Thank you.

[woman] Bye.

[Kasper] Katrine!

What's going on?

- It was a good speech, Kasper.
- Thank you.

[Katrine] Perhaps one of the best
opening speeches ever.

It would be nice
if you sounded like you meant it.

I do mean it.

But it never ceases to amaze me
how well you keep things apart.

You manage to make your way
into the hearts of all Danes

and still be incredibly cynical.

I quit my job.

I found out about your deal
with Torben Friis.

- I'd like to explain why...
- Forget it.

You have your secrets,
and I have my great naivete,

and we won't change.

- Yes, we will.
- No, we won't.

But keep believing it.

What will you do now...

now that you've quit?

There she is.

- [Laura] Hi, Mom. Congratulations.
- Hi, honey.

- [Laura] It was a great speech.
- [Magnus] Congratulations, Mom.

Yes, congratulations.
But we are heading home now.

- [Magnus] When are you coming home?
- [elevator bell dings]

- It might be late.
- Come on, kids.

- [Laura] Bye.
- Bye.

- I'll see you.
- Yes, I'll see you.

Birgitte, may I say something?

That was one of the best opening speeches
I've heard in my time.

Thanks, Niels Erik.

I must admit, I didn't think you would
last a year in the chair, but...

if you continue like this, I think we'll
be working together for several terms.

Oh, by the way,

I finally got the necessary grounds
to get rid of Sanne.

You don't need to worry,
it's just staffing stuff.

A new one is starting tomorrow.

A good one.

Thank you.

PRIME MINISTER

[theme music playing]