Borgen (2010–2013): Season 2, Episode 1 - 89.000 børn - full transcript

Denmark's new prime minister
is both actionable and realistic.

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

As skilled as we are at compromising
in our professional life,

just as bad we are at it in private.

What's going on with you and dad?

The best thing
that ever happened in my life

is what you and I used to share.

But I don't want this to be
what we remember. I want a divorce.

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

In other countries, journalists die
defending the free press,

and you just piss on it!
I'll send my resignation.



Prepare for the Worker's Party putting
the squeeze on you now.

- What's your advice?
- Give them a little of what they want.

- Bent, they want the ministry of finance.
- You don't have to give it to them.

I need you to resign.

This.

This is why I left you.
You world starts and ends with you.

Your priorities,
your agenda, your secrets.

- I have no secrets.
- That's all you have.

- I did what I had to do.
- That's what a prime minister does.

"War is just when it is necessary."
- MACHIAVELLI

This is our most advanced post.

Out there the Taliban's in charge?

We'd like to think we are in charge.
But the Taliban is out there.

But your last engagement
was in April, right?



Yes. It's been quiet for some time.
Thank God.

Alright. The prime minister
will be here in ten minutes

to give her speech.

She'll give her speech

and she will take questions
from you journalists afterwards.

Alright?

What the hell are you doing here?

I'm embedded on the press tour.

- Is Ekspres getting special treatment?
- I asked military command nicely.

I hear you've gone over to Laugesen,
as the new star reporter.

What's the prime minister
telling the soldiers?

Nothing new.
"Great job. We're pulling you home."

In return,
the army gives her a small coin.

- Are you going home with the rest?
- This is Kalle, my cameraman.

- Hello. Kalle.
- Kasper Juul.

We're staying a week to gain insight
in the soldiers' everyday life.

So you're a war correspondent now?

They say it's peaceful here. It's been
five months since the last fightings.

- It's been a while.
- Yeah.

You're dating Lotte Ågård,
the communications advisor?

I've read her blog in Politiken.

- She's a great writer.
- Thanks.

- Welcome to Afghanistan.
- Thanks.

Say hello to 1st division.
They are heading out on patrol.

Hello.

- Nicholas.
- Hello, Nicholas.

- Hello.
- Hello. Lund.

- Hello.
- Hi.

Hello. Hedegård.

Excuse me, could I get a picture
of me with the Prime Minister?

Of course.

We're heading out on patrol,
so I'm going to miss your speech.

- Should I do it?
- Sure.

It's not everyday
we have babes down here, so...

I'm not going to miss the opportunity.

There.

And another.

That's enough, Hedegård.

- Thank you.
- Have a good trip.

Bye.

- Have a safe journey.
- You too.

Damn...

That's good.

I'm very grateful that
in spite of the great personal risks

you've chosen to take up
the task of creating peace

and democracy here in Afghanistan.

You should be proud of your results.

Parliament will soon come to a decision
on our future engagements in Afghanistan.

I'm convinced we're going agree on
withdrawing our troops very soon.

In other words, I expect
your mission here to be over soon.

On behalf of Denmark, I thank you
for your invaluable contribution.

It won't be forgotten,
neither here nor back in Denmark.

Thank you.

I'm sorry if my announcement disappointed.

We are the military extension
of the decisions of our politicians.

- But you do have your own opinions?
- We keep them to ourselves.

I've lost four young soldiers
during my tour here. That's four too many.

Sorry to disturb, but the patrol
we sent out at 4 p.m. is under heavy fire.

Two wounded soldiers are coming in.
Hostile activity reported in the area.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Defense
will be flown out now.

Kalle?

- Kalle!
- What's happening?

A patrol was attacked.
Incoming wounded soldiers.

We want pictures.

- Will they let us?
- They have to.

- Katrine!
- Yes?

We're flying out now with extra room.

They have no idea
what will happen here. Are you coming?

- We're staying.
- Please. They say it will be dangerous.

How do you think Laugesen will react,

if I bail at first sign of trouble?

Bring this hard drive home.
It's a backup, just in case.

We are leaving!

- See you in Copenhagen.
- Yes.

Two trauma patients.

Gunshot wound. Lower abdomen.
No exit wound. It's been bandaged.

Another gunshot wound here.
Entry and exit in right side of the neck.

Rapid, labored breathing.
We've bandaged him.

Get them stabilized.
They fly in ten minutes.

- What's the press doing here?
- We have permission by high command.

- Please keep your distance.
- Doc, come here.

The bandage is no good.
We need to stop the bleeding.

Two more incoming.
They've gone nuts out there.

Contact the field hospital at main camp.
Tell them to have blood ready!

He's dying, damn it!

BORGEN

EPISODE 11
89,000 CHILDREN

Yes, of course.

I've just received reports

that English, German and American camps
were all attacked simultaneously.

Several casualties have been reported.
It all very looks planned.

But why is it happening now?

Because the Taliban monitor
all countries with troops in Afghanistan.

They know many countries
want to withdraw them.

When they attack now, they make it look
as if they've got us on the run

which would be a great moral victory
to the Taliban.

And if I may remind you,

that was one reason why I opposed any talk
of withdrawal at this time.

Excuse me.

Lotte, it's me.
There was an attack on our base,

but we're okay and on our way home.
I'm going to sleep at my place.

Call you tomorrow.
Kisses, beautiful. Bye.

We don't know the scope
of the Taliban offensive,

but two Danish patrols
were attacked simultaneously

not far from the Helmand river

in areas considered to be relatively
peaceful until a few hours ago.

Katrine Fønsmark, Ekspres.
Afghanistan.

Thank you. Goodbye.

That was the American
secretary of defense.

The Americans want us
to postpone the withdrawal.

What did you tell him?

That we're having a cabinet meeting
tomorrow to assess the situation.

We are working towards withdrawing
the troops.

We want to hand over
responsibility to the Afghans.

Right, but this clearly proves
they aren't ready for that responsibility.

Hello.

We will have a press conference
right away.

One of our soldiers is dead.

No.

How did that happen?

Have you informed next of kin?

Good. Okay. Thanks.

Another four soldiers died in battle

close to our forward bastion
in the upper Gereshk Valley.

Five soldiers?

Five casualties in one day.
It's unprecedented.

We need to discuss what to tell
the press when we land in Copenhagen.

I'll ask the defense command
to meet us at the airport to discuss it.

We need to get
those soldiers home now.

We need to get out of there.

Look.

- You work for Ekspres, right?
- Yes. Katrine Fønsmark.

- Thomas Hald.
- Hello.

I was wondering,
what is your angle on this?

Yeah, I don't know yet.

We've never had
this many casualties in one day.

But our men are here
of their own free will.

They are aware of the risk.

I won't interfere with your angle,

but if you make them out to be
innocent victims, people will be sad.

A dead soldier is more than just that.
He's someone's son, brother, father.

All people who are proud of them.

- Is that for their families?
- Yes.

We ask them to write a goodbye letter
before they come here,

and we send it home, if they die.

- Think of them when you write it.
- Of course.

- I...
- Just promise me to think of them.

WELCOME HOME, MOM

I think she's still asleep.

- She's not there.
- Oh, okay.

Then just get your gym clothes, okay?

- Good morning, honey.
- Did you sleep in my room, Mom?

Hi. We just stopped by
for his gym clothes.

I saw the news this morning.
It must have been a rough trip.

- Yes...
- What's this?

It's a present I got yesterday
in Afghanistan.

It's a coin dating back
to Alexander the Great.

- Do you remember reading about him?
- Yes.

A famous king from
long before Jesus' time.

This coin was found in the area
where I was yesterday.

- Cool.
- It's nice, huh?

Magnus, find your gym clothes.

It was a really terrible trip.

Right.

- Birgitte, did you sign the papers?
- What papers?

The divorce papers. I sent them to you.

- Just fill them out. I've signed them.
- I'm really sorry, Phillip.

I don't... I'm really sorry.

I don't remember where I put them.

Maybe they are in my other bag
at the office.

- Do you want coffee?
- No. I just want those papers.

I moved out ten months ago, Birgitte.

I'm stuck until you sign
and buy my share of the house.

Send a new batch to the office,
and I promise to sign them.

- I need them later this week.
- You'll get them.

Alright.

Magnus, coming?

Okay.

- Have a great day, sweetie.
- See you, Mom.

- Bye.
- I'll send the papers over.

- Right.
- Bye.

Birgitte Nyborg
landed this morning

after visiting the Danish troops
in Afghanistan.

The visit was interrupted
when a big Taliban offensive

forced the Danish prime minister to leave

the Danish foward bases in
the Helmand Province and fly home.

So far five Danish soldiers
have been killed

in what military command
calls the fiercest battles so far.

Torben Friis, our political editor.
Welcome.

What situation does this
put Birgitte Nyborg in now?

Ulrik, this is probably
the most difficult situation

for Nyborg since she took office.

Remember, she's rescinded
the Afghanistan agreement in parliament.

The opposition is furious right now.

This leaves Denmark's participation
in the war unresolved.

So the pressure is on Nyborg to decide

whether to stand firm or withdraw.

Exactly. She's facing
the largest casualty figures

Denmark has seen in one day
in Afghanistan.

And as prime minister
she has to support the war effort,

specifically a war effort she has opposed
from the very start.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Should we go over
the prime minister's schedule?

You can say "your" schedule, Jytte.
Cross out everything but Afghanistan.

Okay.

At 9.15 a.m., which is in eight minutes,
the prime minister is meeting...

You are meeting with the government
parties and the minister of defense.

I summoned the Minister
for the EU, Jacob Kruse, too.

He's been in contact with other
EU countries with troops in Afghanistan.

Then a quick press briefing...

When will the American
Secretary of State call?

The day after tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.
And the Afghan NGOs you met called.

- They want a meeting with you very soon.
- NGO?

- A non-governmental organization.
- I know what it is, Jytte. Thanks.

- How about after the American's call?
- I'll squeeze them in.

Thank you, Jytte.

Don't you have more important things...
No thank you... than Afghan NGOs?

- We have five dead soldiers here.
- I don't need reminding, Kasper.

- See you in a couple of minutes.
- Oh yes.

- Jacob, you just spoke to your colleagues.
- Yes.

Spain and Italy are still
in favor of a withdrawal soon.

The attack didn't affect anyone's stand.

Everyone knows that Spain and Italy are
the weakest countries in the coalition.

Their contribution does not
compare with the Danish.

Denmark has paid a far steeper price.
Our withdrawal would be understood.

I agree.
Our job there in Afghanistan is done.

The latest Taliban attack
seems to have proven you wrong.

And now the US is asking us
to hold the line there.

Hold the line?

It's not for the Green Party to decide.

There's a majority in parliament
in favor of withdrawal.

We in the Worker's Party
do not want a withdrawal

until the strategic position is right.

- What does the Defense Chief think?
- The military do as they're told.

They must have an opinion
based on the strategic situation.

Right. They don't want to withdraw

with their tails between their legs from
an enemy they think they can beat.

Look, this isn't a Clint Eastwood movie.
We've been down there ten years.

The Russians were there before us.
Maybe you just can't win in Afghanistan.

I don't think we'll get any further.

I'm going to tell the press
the government believes

in a withdrawal in the near future,

and that we're doing everything
to avoid further casualties.

Don't use the phrase "doing everything
to avoid further casualties."

The press could use it against you
regarding losses in the future.

We could say we agree on the withdrawal,
and we'll try to get everyone home safely.

But we don't agree on that.

I suggest...

We still want the withdrawal, but
we're following the situation closely.

I'll formulate it with Kasper.
Thank you, gentlemen.

First, you need to change your shirt.

We're at war.

Wear something black and buttoned up.

The government is aware
of the situation in Afghanistan

and the reality of life
facing our soldiers abroad.

What will you tell the US
if they ask for an increased commitment?

As a principle,
I don't answer hypothetical questions.

I will stress
that my primary consideration

is the safety of our soldiers and
to lay the best foundation in Afghanistan

for the Afghans to take control
of their own country.

Thank you. That's all.

- Birgitte...
- Birgitte!

Thank you very much.

Hey, beautiful?

Hi!

Hi!

It's so good to see you.

You've been on my mind constantly.

Bloody hell.
We lost five men in one day.

It's completely insane.

Many of those we talked to
may be dead now.

How was your day?

Probably a little uneventful
compared to yours.

I've advised an insurance company on
how to communicate higher prices

without losing clients.

That sounds exactly like my day.
I just advised the Prime Minister on

how to communicate a higher casualty
figure to the voters without losing them.

And then I've...

bought oysters and champagne
to celebrate your homecoming.

Did you buy an oyster knife, too?

Nope. It's in the top drawer by the oven.

I believe I lack everything
necessary to a decent household.

When you move in here,
you'll have it all.

Is the Prime Minister going
to help you move?

I don't think so. Besides,
I don't have a lot of stuff to pack.

Don't we have to rent a van?
You must have some personal belongings?

- I rented a furnished apartment.
- Yes, but...

Lotte, I've got two suitcases and a crate.

That's it.

Okay. That's not a whole lot.

Most of my stuff is in self storage
in the Southern France.

I do need to get it,
but after my Dad died...

- No, I really should go get it.
- Hey...

It's okay.

I didn't mean to pry.

- Are we rushing us moving in together?
- No.

You're the most beautiful woman
in the world.

- You have to call this guy.
- Okay.

- Bye, Magnus.
- Bye!

I washed your new big towel
and put it in the bathroom.

That's great!

- Great, Anne. See you tomorrow, right?
- Yes, bye.

Lars Hesselboe,

in light of the recent casualties,

isn't it about time we withdrew
the troops from Afghanistan?

The Prime Minister and her party
have been against the war from the start

and advocated a withdrawal
several times,

which I have opposed, since I don't
believe the Afghans are ready

- to take control of the country.
- When are they ready?

British reports I've seen say

that in two years the Afghans can
take over the Helmand Province.

When I left the office of Prime Minister,
there was a proposal

to send Leopard tanks to our soldiers.

Birgitte Nyborg rejected that,
and now we see the consequences:

Five Danish soldiers are dead.

Don't you bloody pin this on me!

- Hi.
- Hi, sweetie. Where have you been?

Skating. I told you.

You forgot your skates.

I borrowed some off Rebecca.

When's dinner?

I thought I'd order some
of that good Thai food. What do you say?

Count me out then.

What do you want then?

A home-cooked meal.

- I haven't had the time for that, honey.
- Right.

I'll make us
a home-cooked meal tomorrow.

Magnus?

Do you just want a number 5?

- No, number 7.
- Okay.

What about the hard drive
I gave Kasper Juul?

I texted him.
He's going to bring it over tonight.

Hi, sweetie.

Hi, Hanne.

Rough trip?

They sent us home because
they couldn't guarantee our safety.

The main camp was attacked.

- There you are.
- Hi.

You look good in green, Katrine.

- Kalle.
- Hi.

- Do you want to see some pictures?
- Hell yes, please.

Voila.

That's really good.

Do tell, Katrine.
What have you got for us?

We were there
when the first wounded came in.

We got a lot of material.

But I'd like to focus
on the first soldier to die.

Follow up on him
and contact his family in Denmark.

Did you clear the pictures?

We'll handle that.

It's a great idea.

But I imagined something simpler.

Headline: "Birgitte Nyborg hesitates.
Soldiers die."

I'd rather do a feature than a news story.

Let's do both.

You're going to blame the prime minister?

Birgitte Nyborg is paralyzed.

She's stuck in the political correctness
of the Green Party and the Moderates.

War demands action.
She hasn't got the balls.

That sounds like an editorial, Michael.
Write it yourself.

Cool, but I want your news article
to back me up.

I have to take this. Welcome home alive.
Michael here.

"Nyborg hesitates. Soldiers die."

BIRGITTE NYBORG HESITATES
SOLDIERS DIE

I promise I didn't sneak a peak.

Thanks.

They sent us home 12 hours after you.
They couldn't guarantee our safety.

I must admit
I was a little worried about you.

Did you get enough for a story?

Not the one I intended,
but Laugesen had a few good pointers.

My guess is that he's blaming Birgitte
for all the evils of the world.

Oh, come on.

Are you writing a piece blaming the prime
minister for the five dead in Afghanistan?

I can't discuss it with you.

That's the most cheesy
and simplified angle imaginable.

Didn't you resign from TV1 because
you didn't want to be Friis' puppet?

Now you're at Ekspres
letting Laugesen's wield your pen?

The only one trying
to wield my pen is you.

I just did you a favor.

Right, thank you for taking
the hard drive home,

and offering me a seat on the plane.

I've got a deadline.

Now go before I report you
for manipulating the free press.

You're not part of the free press
as long as you work for Laugesen.

And you know it.

BIRGITTE NYBORG HESITATES
SOLDIERS DIE

It's fine.

Yes?

The US secretary of state is on the line
from Washington in a minute.

The latest memo from the ministry
of defense is in the green file on top.

Thank you.

She's got a handle on it, that Jytte.

Yes, and her lacking sense of humor
is such a relief.

No need to waste time
on such nonsense.

Mr. Secretary of State.

Mrs. Prime Minister,
thank for taking the time.

Certainly.

As you know, I talked to your
minister of defense yesterday.

Yes?

He told me you are trying to find a way
around the withdrawal of Danish forces.

Jytte, get the minister of defense
for me now.

Thorsen apparently
promised the US our support.

Defense command just told me
another three soldiers died this morning.

Eight soldiers in two days.
It's a nightmare.

- Did you get him?
- I can't get through.

What the hell's going on?

Thorsen's testing you.

He's the army's man.
This isn't Worker's Party policy.

I spoke with Marrot last night
He backs Thorsen up.

But Thorsen's bloody stronger than Marrot.

It's driving me crazy that this man
can't keep his troops in line.

No matter what, we need to maintain
a high level of information.

It must not look like a cover-up.

We must present a plan soon.

We can't afford to look
paralyzed much longer.

You have an appointment with
the Afghan NGOs in half an hour.

Do you want me to cancel?

No.

Katrine, talk to us.
Tell us what you've got.

I don't have anything.

Christ!

I worked your angle until 3 a.m.

Sorry. I can't write something
I don't believe in.

- I need to whip something up then.
- That's the last time I hire an artist!

What can you write then?

I want to write about
the dead soldier, Andreas Hedegård.

He was 23, and died during surgery.

He was from Jyllinge and was shot
5,000 kilometers away

- in a ditch in Southern Afghanistan.
- Damn it!

Calm down, Michael.

Alright, fine. Tell me the sob story.

Andreas wrote a goodbye letter
to his dad before he left.

I want to try to get a chance to read it.

A goodbye letter?

Most soldiers write one, and they're
sent to their families if they die.

I want to call his dad
for permission to print it.

I mean... If you can get that letter,

it could be a great story.

And I mean it.

Can someone else to write about
our paralyzed prime minister?

Oh yes.

Please don't get up.

I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to cut
this meeting a bit short.

I only have a few minutes.

Don't be sorry.

We just came to thank you
for your troops' effort in Afghanistan.

I'll make sure to pass that on.

And we do of course understand why
the Danish government wishes to withdraw

after the terrible losses
you have suffered.

But I am not sure you understand

just how crucial your presence is
in our country.

If you allow me a few moments,
I will try to explain.

- Please do.
- Thank you.

May I see you wallet, Mrs. Prime Minister?

Oh, my wallet? Sure.

Thank you. May I open it?

These cards all represent freedom
and democracy.

When the Taliban ruled in Afghanistan,

I was not allowed
to have a driver's license...

because I am a woman.

Now...

I drive myself to work every morning.

But is that because you live in Kabul?

You can't change
the Afghan way of life over night.

But things are changing.

Before the war
I was not allowed to have a job...

because I am a woman.

Now, I have my own bank account.

After the invasion,

girls have started to go back to school.

Educated women have got
their old jobs back.

Not all of them, just some.

And they are still
bombing schools, aren't they?

Yes, but hope exists.

Hope for the better. And that hope...

is a direct result of your efforts.

If you leave Afghanistan before
we are ready to take care of ourselves,

then... there is no hope.

Then...

the Taliban is all the Afghans have left.

I'm sorry.
I have to leave for another meeting.

Is that a picture of your husband?

Yes.

I also carry a picture of my husband
in my wallet.

Only... my husband is dead.

He was a journalist.

He was killed by the Taliban
when they entered Kabul in '96.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Hi.

Hi.

I'm looking for Jørgen Hedegård.

That's me.

Katrine Fønsmark. I'm a journalist.

I called several times.
I met your son in Afghanistan.

I'm very sorry.

I talked to some of Andreas' friends.

Can you spare a couple of minutes?

Yes.

- Let's go in here.
- Okay.

Thank you.

I'd like to interview you
and do a story on Andreas.

About the kind of man he was,
and why he went to Afghanistan.

I don't know anything about that.

- About why he went to Afghanistan?
- Yes. I don't know why.

And I told him. I told him not to.

- You didn't want him to go?
- No.

But he wouldn't listen.

I also told him to come home.
He wouldn't do that either.

Look, I need to...
I don't have time for this.

I've heard the soldiers write
goodbye letters for the family.

- Did you get a goodbye letter?
- Yes.

Will you tell me what it said?

Excuse me?

Perhaps I could read the letter?

You can't.

- Are you sure?
- Look, I haven't read it.

And I'm not going to read it.

- Why not?
- That's all I have to say to you.

I'm not trying to pressure you.

I just want to write an article explaining
your situation to my readers.

I want you to leave.

- I understand...
- I want you to leave now.

Thank you for your time.

You can write that I'm falling apart,
and that I damn that war to hell.

And no words and no letters
in the whole world can change that.

Okay?

Why does Jacob Kruse have to tell me
you changed your stand on Afghanistan?

I just happened to talk
with Jacob about it.

I just don't see
how we can't pull out of Afghanistan now.

The Moderates have always opposed
Danish participation

in armed conflicts.

And it's a beautiful principle,

but it's from another time.

- Oh, so our time is better for war?
- No. Sometimes war is inevitable.

Earlier today, I met with a woman
Afghan pediatrician from an NGO.

She gave me concrete examples
of the significance

of the international effort.

Of course just one element among many.

You can't count on it.
It could be a hoax.

Well-rehearsed stories served up
for impressionable Western politicians.

I inherited this war from Hesselboe.
I never liked it. You know that very well.

But it toppled the Taliban, and that's
a good thing. You can't refuse that.

No, but I wanted the Taliban toppled
through sanctions and democratic means.

- Just like you wanted.
- Yes.

But how?

How do you topple a dictatorship
through democratic means, Bent?

We've never figured that out.

Not by turning ourselves
into an occupying power.

No, and I want out of Afghanistan
as soon as possible!

But we have to postpone a withdrawal
until the situation is more stable.

Can you mention one instance
in the last 2,000 years

where Afghanistan was stable?

The Taliban stoned women to death
in public ten years ago.

And in Saudi Arabia they chop off
people's heads with scimitars,

but we have an embassy there.

What are you going to tell the
Soldiers' Relatives Association?

They are coming here
the day after tomorrow.

They're appalled at the recent losses.

They trust they have a prime minister
who will do what she said she'd do.

Withdraw our soldiers.

I don't know yet.

- What about Amir and the Green Party?
- I'm going to find out.

- When did you stop listening?
- I never stopped listening.

But I'm the one
who has to make the decisions.

Yes.

Your husband sent
some papers for you to sign.

- Fine, Jytte. Leave them on the table.
- He was very insistent on the phone.

Thank you.

I don't care!

Just get me a photographer
waiting for me in a cab in 5 minutes.

Understood?

How's your story coming along?

It's getting there.

- Let me hear.
- It's not quite done.

Come on, already.

"The senseless war."

"In his office at Englandsvej,
car salesman Jørgen Hedegård

is looking at the goodbye letter
his son Andreas wrote

before he went to Afghanistan.

But he's afraid to read it.

The fear of its contents hold him back."

Really great, Katrine.

And you have the letter, I assume?

No.

He hasn't even read it.
It's like he's in denial.

Then you have no bloody story.

You can't write about the letter
without featuring it.

We can't use denial for shit.

I know, Hanne.
But what do you want? I'm not a shrink.

Sure you are. A good reporter is
a little of everything.

That letter is your angle.
Without that, your opening is no good.

- But he won't let me read it.
- Then push him a little.

Laugesen let you write
the article because of the letter.

I'm going to Borgen
for the prime minister's press conference.

The rumor is, she's changing her policy
in Afghanistan.

In the meantime, you get that letter.
We can talk later.

In light of recent events in Afghanistan,

the government is in
a holding pattern regarding withdrawal.

We will let the Danish forces focus
on stabilizing the situation.

- Great.
- Thanks.

And you are sure Hesselboe
and the Liberals will vote for it?

I spoke with Hesselboe 30 minutes ago.
He wants to end all talk of withdrawal.

Good. A question:

Why did you suddenly
change your stand to the war?

Because it's too dangerous
to pull out in the middle of an attack.

It would only put the soldiers
at even greater risk.

Just say it's risky
to pull out during an attack.

Be precise, serious, sharp.

What do you want?

I just wanted to say
I think you should read the letter.

Maybe it would help you
understand your son, if you read it.

Why he did what he did.

My son has died...

in a completely senseless war.

That's all I need to understand.

I just thought reading it
might clarify things for you

and give closure to the story.

Closure to the story?

You think I need to close the story?

No, that came out wrong.

No matter what, I still think you ought
to read the letter.

It's your son's last words,
and he wrote them to you.

I just spoke with the Liberals'
press advisor.

Hesselboe wants to talk to you.

Oh?

He wants to meet in private
at the Riding Grounds.

- What's it about?
- They wouldn't say.

Yes?

I'm sorry. Your husband called.

- He wanted to know if you signed...
- Not right now, Jytte. Thank you.

I saw your press conference.

I think you got me wrong.

What does that mean?

We can't support your proposal
to let Danish forces stay in Afghanistan

as if nothing has changed.

What do you mean?

I'm afraid you don't have the majority
you just told the press you had.

Solidarity Union will never agree
to prolonging our engagement.

But Lars, you just said on the phone...

That we opposed a withdrawal
and wanted to avoid it.

But I didn't say I'd support
any initiative you might think of.

Don't our soldiers abroad deserve
that we stand united behind them?

Yes, but not when they
are not getting what they need.

We wanted to send them
heavier weapons, and you said no.

We don't want to escalate the conflict.

The left wing and your party are
so concerned about your legacy,

that you'd rather let our soldiers down
than risk acting responsibly.

This little act was orchestrated by you

so that I would look
indecisive and paralyzed, right?

Just withdraw the soldiers, Birgitte.

You're a good politician but you're
no good at leading a country at war.

And trust me, your withdrawal in the press

won't hurt as much as theirs
on the battlefield.

You have to give old Hesselboe
that it is a cunning move.

Unfair, but cunning as hell.

He has you changing your policy,
and then he withdraws his support.

What are my options?

Bent would ask me that now.

Why don't you talk to him?

I tried, but...

We just don't communicate well on this.

It's as if he's stuck
in the party as it once was.

Kasper, what are my options?

You have three.

One: Stand fast.

You can't do that.

Two: Withdraw the troops.

You don't want to.

Three: Increase our effort
with more men and more equipment.

- I don't want to escalate the war.
- Then the choice is simple.

Or, it's not really a choice.

You're caught between
a rock and a hard place.

Birgitte, withdraw the troops.

You have a majority for it,
and you've been wanting to all along.

And it's what everyone expects.

Little Miss Politically Correct,
always doing the right thing.

- Can we talk?
- Sure.

I haven't got a story
on the dead soldier for you.

How much do I pay you?

Is it 60,000 kroner a month?
Plus expenses, free lunch and a pension.

What are you giving me in return?

First, you begged for
an important job reporting.

So I sent you to Afghanistan
with a photographer.

When you got home,
you wouldn't write the story I asked for.

No, you just wait a second!
You want to write something "feely".

So you start writing about dead
soldiers, goodbye letters and parents.

Then you lose both the parents
and goodbye letter.

And now you bloody tell me I don't have
a story for my paper tomorrow.

Have I got that right?

It was absurd to blame Birgitte Nyborg
for those soldiers, and you know it.

- But no one tells you so.
- Apparently you do.

Yes, until you fire me.

Was that a request?

No.

Get a grip, will you?

Start by writing the story I asked for.

The Soldiers' Relatives Association
is at Borgen tomorrow.

Victims meet the responsible.
A great photo-op.

It should be as easy
as scratching your own ass.

That's all for now. Have fun.

Thank you.

- Hi, Phillip. Come in.
- Hi.

Something smells good.

I had to hurry home because Laura says
I never cook anything decent.

And then she comes home
telling me she already ate at Rebecca's.

Well, that's life.

- Do you want some? I made a ton.
- No, no...

No, I just came for the papers.

Damn it, Phillip. I'm really sorry.

- Oh, come on, Birgitte!
- I totally forgot.

Right. Look...

I'm renting a tiny furnished apartment.

I can't do anything
until you sign and buy me out.

I know. It's unacceptable.

Can I pick them up at your office?

- Did you even sign them?
- Yes.

- Of course I did.
- That's good.

Then call the guard
and say I'm coming by now.

I can't do that.

- What?
- I didn't sign them.

But why not?

Because I...

Because I don't want to divorce you.

I can't take anymore.

I'm at war at the office.
I'm at war at home.

I want you to be my husband.

I don't want to get a divorce.

Sometimes we have do to things
even though we don't want to.

Right?

I want pictures of the parents
when they meet the politicians.

Is it only for relatives of dead soldiers?

No, the association is for everyone
related to soldiers abroad.

- Both living and dead.
- Okay.

By the way, what happened
to the story from the camp?

It turned out I didn't have one.

Let's get to work.

I canceled your meeting
with soldiers' relatives this morning.

What?

- On Kasper's request.
- But why?

I'm trying to protect you.

Many of them have lost a child.
The parents feel impotent and unsafe,

and they blame you, of course.
And the press is out there.

It's dangerous.

But it's been announced. They're
expecting me to come. Thanks, Jytte.

A prime minister always has a good reason.

Shall we?

How long are they staying?

An hour.

Where are you going?

Birgitte!

The government is paralyzed.

That is the sad reality.
Don't expect her to show up.

It's a bad idea.
You don't want to do this.

Sometimes we must
do things we don't want to.

We don't want to risk any more losses,
so we...

just want to find
the right time to pull out.

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.

I'd like to explain to you
the government's considerations...

- Peter, watch out!
- Hey!

You had your picture taken
with my son on the day he died.

Andreas was always a wild one.

Well, maybe not wild.
Restless, perhaps.

Like young people are
when they think life never ends

and that they're untouchable.

All that...

soldier stuff, it...

I didn't understand
what made him choose

to go all the way down there
to fight someone else's battle.

I didn't understand.

And I still don't.

When I think about Andreas,
he was more into cars, girls

and video games, you know?

Mm.

To fight a completely senseless war...

This is...

his goodbye letter.

What does it say?

"Dear Dad.

If you're reading this letter...

it means I'm dead.

I'm sorry.

It was probably for the adventure,

and me still being a young lad.
That's why I came down here.

But you know that.

Yesterday I read on the Internet

that 89,000 more Afghan children
a year survive

since the Taliban was
thrown out the gate.

Schools and hospitals are being built.

Many are destroyed again,
but some are still standing.

89,000 children.

I guess that's what our effort is worth.

You're right about the senselessness
of war itself,

but 89,000 children...

That makes sense to me."

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

I haven't seen your story in Ekspres
blaming the prime minister yet.

That was never the story
I wanted to write.

What story did you want to write?

It doesn't matter.

Excuse me.

I'm really sorry for pushing you so hard.
That wasn't okay.

Go ahead and write your story.

Maybe there's some sense to it
after all.

What a crazy story.

I see! Two bottles of wine.
Is that the new style?

It's called for today.

Cheers, Kasper.

Cheers, Katrine.

Katrine?

You called me Katrine.

I don't think so.

You did, honey.

No.

It's okay.

No. I'm sorry...

You just...

saw her, and you were worried about her
during the attack at the camp.

No, no, no.

- When are we moving in together?
- Oh, shut up.

I'm serious.
When are we moving in together?

Well... Tomorrow, Kristian.

Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry!
I was thinking about my ex.

DEFENSE CHIEF

PRIME MINISTER

Colonel Hald. Thank you
for coming at such short notice.

It was no trouble.

- When did you land?
- Half an hour ago.

I was told you wished to talk
to me before the meeting?

- Yes. Please sit down.
- Thank you.

Listen.

As things stand now,

the government is set to vote
in favor of a withdrawal soon.

But we can't agree
on maintaining the status quo.

What do you think of that?

- We do as you mandate.
- What is your opinion?

My personal opinion is irrelevant.

You hate to have people like me
making the decisions, don't you?

Soppy humanitarians who don't get
what you're doing in Afghanistan.

I'm not following you.

On the one hand
you hate that I give the orders,

but on the other you don't have
the guts to tell me what to do.

It's not for me to make
the prime minister's decisions.

No, I'll make the necessary decision.
That's not what I'm asking.

I've lost eight men in five days.
That's eight men too many.

That's all I care about.

What do you think I should do?

- Like I said, my personal...
- Right, but I'm asking you.

In my opinion there is only one way.

That is a joint
international coordinated effort.

We can't pull out in the middle of
an attack. That's no good.

- Please elaborate.
- Firstly...

we should join our allies and neutralize
the current wave of attacks.

And we must stay in Afghanistan until
we've trained their army and police.

How long are we talking?

It could take five-six years.

And it requires more soldiers,
more equipment and money.

Can you have a memo on the Danish
part of such a coordinated effort

ready for me tomorrow?

Can you muster support
for such a policy shift?

That's my job. Don't worry about that.

- When can you have it ready?
- It will be on your desk before midnight.

Oh.

So you're giving me something after all?

Yes.

"89,000 CHILDREN"

Today the government
secured a majority in parliament

to increase the Danish efforts
in Afghanistan.

The decision was made after
the massive Taliban offensive

that started five days ago.

According to the plan, four F-16
fighter planes and six Leopard tanks

with personnel will be sent
to Afghanistan within a few weeks.

We've always been against the war,
that's no secret,

but we've chosen to put the government
coalition above that

and support the proposal.

Sometimes you have to do things
even though you don't want to.