Borgen (2010–2013): Season 3, Episode 4 - Den enes død... - full transcript

[Katrine]
You want to start a new party?

[Birgitte] We are the New Democrats.

We must define who we are
and what we stand for.

Torben, Eight of your staff have
complained to management.

You and I will be seeing
more of each other.

[Katrine] It's complicated at the moment.

Sometimes it's seems like
we might get back together

and sometimes
he is a bit difficult to read.

[indistinct conversation]

"Danish pigs are healthy -
they're bursting with penicillin"

[sizzling, plates clattering]



- [waiter] The guinea fowl?
- Yes, please.

- And you ordered the pork?
- Thank you.

- [in English] What did he say?
- "Grisen."

- "Grisen."
- Grisen

- "Grisen."
- Yes, "grisen."

With a smile.

Yeah, I love the sound of Danish.
It's very, very charming.

We are very charming people.

Particularly when we were
raping and pillaging vikings.

Taking over England, remember.

I think it was about a thousand years ago
for three or four years.

Very long years.
Very, very important period.

Well, let's raise our glasses
to, um, Cnut the Great.

"Knud den Store."



"Knud den Store."

- Knud den Store.
- Very good.

And to the School of Architecture.

Very nice of them to assign you
five days of lectures.

And thank you for daring
to go out with me here in Copenhagen.

- Did I dare?
- Well, what might be the headlines?

"Who is that dark stranger having dinner
with the former PM?"

I don't think anyone cares.

I completely forgot about it.
When I came back there was no one there.

So I planned this whole scene.

I knew exactly what to say,
exactly what to do.

- And... Are you okay?
- Yes, I am fine.

- You don't look so good.
- I just need some more water.

Honestly, you don't...

I am just going to go to the lavatory.

[chair scrapes]

[in Danish]
Can we give him a hand here?

Are you all right?

[vomiting]

Aw. I've got it.

[theme music playing]

"ONE MAN'S PAIN..."

[birds chirping]

Well, then?

What do you mean?

Did you sleep well?

Gustav sleeps better here.

Sure.

Maybe I should move back here.

No way you'll ever get around to it.

So...

Did you talk to Mom?

Not lately, no.

She is worried about you, Katrine.

Bah.

She should probably mind
her own business, but I mean...

We will always be
her children, won't we?

How wise you have grown
from a life surrounded by pigs!

Come on...

So...

Is there a boyfriend
you can tell me about?

Give me a break!

- Really?
- No!

Still thinking about Kasper?

I certainly am not.

Maybe you should say
good morning to the pigs?

I've seen enough pigs in my life.

NYBORG'S NEW BOYFRIEND
"YOU MAKE ME PUKE"

[cell phone ringing]

- Yes?
- [Gustav] Didn't you get my messages?

- I only just turned on my phone.
- You only turned it on now?

Yes, I was in the country,
needed a bit of peace.

But we agreed to text
how things were going.

- Legally I can do whatever I want.
- Legally?

We are legally separated.
This conversation shows why.

Yes...

"YOU MAKE ME PUKE"

The whole newspaper's about it!

[Pia] You've done it before.

[Hanne] But I am not there anymore.

- Any messages?
- Ulrik called you.

What happened to our complaint
about Torben?

He got a reprimand
and has regular meetings with Alex.

- Have we got a new lunch service?
- No, this is just supper...

I forgot to pick my son up after handball

and the punishment is I do the shopping
and cook twice a week.

We'll need another fridge.

They had five packs of pork
for 100 kroner. It's a good deal.

It's really cheap.

You have a meeting with Alex
in ten minutes.

Tell him I am too busy.
There's too much news.

You gotta to see this. It's crazy.

NYBORG'S BOYFRIEND PUKING

[Birgitte] Okay, breathe. Yes?

Better?

[retching]

Is that...

Secret lover pukes all over
former prime minister.

- We can use that.
- No, we can't. It is too yucky.

- It's funny!
- We don't do funny, Dan.

Give it to TV1 Evening or something.

We can't agree to reducing by half
pig farm inspections.

- Shouldn't we discuss it first?
- Why?

We are a party,
not three independents.

The government
already has a majority in favor.

If that's how we think no
wonder no one listens to us.

As a party we need
to take a view on everything.

We lack impact. We desperately
need to put ourselves on the map

- with a cause to make us visible.
- Yes.

Right now it's difficult
to get in the papers,

they are only interested in gossip.

And no, I'm not talking about that.

It must be so hard for her.
She hates that kind of press.

You are so into Birgitte.

It was also rotten
to put it on the internet.

TV1 Evening want Birgitte
to tell her version of the story.

- What?
- I asked her and we turned them down.

- Thanks!
- I assume you agree with me.

Yes.

- [Birgitte in English] Hello.
- Hi.

- Hey.
- Aw.

Are they keeping you here?

The Danish healthcare system
is very thorough.

You did a good job.

- I thought it was just food-poisoning.
- No.

I'm afraid it's a little more complicated
than that. Um...

I'm... I'm allergic to antibiotics.

Why have you been taking them
if you are allergic?

I didn't think I had.
That's what complicated.

They ran some tests and apparently
the antibiotics were in the roast pork.

- What?
- I know. It sounds silly.

No. It sounds... disgusting.

Apparently the pig had been injected
with a special kind of

oil-based antibiotic
that's hardly used anymore.

It must have been slaughtered
before the quarantine period

for the medicated animal
had fully expired.

I've never heard anything
like that before.

It hardly ever happens.
It's a once in a lifetime thing.

Last time it happened was in the 60's.

I am just happy you
were there to share it with me.

Does anyone know?

Um, there's been some front pages.

A lot of gossip and...

a YouTube clip.

- Somebody filmed us?
- And it's incredibly popular.

- Over a 100,000 hits this morning.
- Oh, my God!

A 100.000 people have seen me
throw up on the former prime minister.

I got you some papers.

When are they are letting you out of here?

They say maybe tomorrow.

- Yeah?
- Yes.

I have had to postpone my lectures
so I will be here for a few more days.

I'll pick you up tomorrow
and take you to your hotel.

- You don't have to do that.
- No, but I will.

And...

I sent your clothes to the dry cleaners.
I'll bring them as well.

You're too kind.

I know.

- [in Danish] Welcome to the front pages!
- Thanks.

Are you all right?

Yes, thanks, Nete.

So my little supper is
stealing the headlines.

- 120,000 hits on YouTube.
- We've never been more popular!

And it's even true for once.
Jeremy threw up all over me.

- A dodgy steak?
- Actually no.

He had an allergic reaction
too much penicillin in his pork.

[Jon] How disgusting.

It's a unique situation.
The Food Inspectors have checked the meat.

A pig that was given an injection
of a special kind of antibiotic.

A few days later
the pig was slaughtered

and a mistake seems to have
been made which affected Jeremy.

- It shouldn't be possible.
- [Jon] We'll kill the story with silence.

We don't want it to be an issue.

- What if it is an issue?
- What do you mean?

Tomorrow you have to vote on a bill
to about reducing inspections, right?

He nearly died because of lack
of inspections. We can use that.

- No, it was a one-off.
- But it happened.

Although a unique case,
fewer inspections will mean more cases.

And TV1 Evening wants Birgitte tonight.

Birgitte is not going on TV to talk about
being puked on on a first date.

It's an odd feeling,
but for once I agree with you, Nete.

When British architect Jeremy Welsh

sank his teeth into a nice bit
of Danish pork

he certainly didn't
expect that by this morning

120,000 people would
have seen him throw it up again.

When the architect's fellow diner is
Birgitte Nyborg it isn't just accidental,

it is front page news.

- Welcome, Birgitte.
- Thank you.

Your slightest movement
can be captured forever

by anybody and subsequently
find its way into the media.

- How does it feel?
- Well, of course, it isn't pleasant.

I know I'm an object of attention.
I am quite okay with that.

I have accepted it.
What I find harder to accept

is that Jeremy Welsh
has to suffer such an intrusion.

- It can't have been nice for him.
- No.

Especially not when he was so sick.

Can you describe what happened?

When did you realize
that something was wrong?

Nothing was wrong until
he swallowed a piece of Danish pork

containing high levels of antibiotics.

And unfortunately Jeremy Welsh
is allergic to antibiotics.

It was an incredibly
unfortunate coincidence.

But that must not deter us from
getting to the core of the issue.

What is that, in your view?

The issue is the way
we produce pork in Denmark

and the amount of penicillin
apparently necessary.

Well said!

Now the government wants to ease
the regulations for pig farmers

and let them choose
how to medicate the animals

without asking if this is how we
want to produce pork in this country.

But back to you, Birgitte Nyborg.

As I see it, we have pushed
pig farming beyond the limits.

The government clearly thinks that
the law is there to protect the industry.

- Are you watching that?
- Yes.

But it should protect consumers.

So it is a matter worthy of debate.
Wouldn't you agree?

Yes, absolutely.

Get hold of Christiansborg.

Get a comment from Hesselboe.
Preferably before the second reading.

Yes. Isn't it your food day?

For God's sake!

Seriously!

Torben, what about all that
pork in the fridge?

Uh, I'll get some takeout instead.
Chop suey perhaps.

[knocking on door]

Hi.
Hi.

- I think we need to have a talk.
- Where is Gustav?

- With a babysitter.
- Who

Stine from the daycare.

What is going on?

- What do you mean?
- Well, we're just not communicating.

You're all cold and distant.

We said we'd text to say how Gustav was,
or a photo or whatever.

And then I don't hear a thing.

We are separated, Kasper.

But we still have an agreement, Katrine.

Just to let each other know all is good.
I think it's affecting Gustav.

How does it affect him being
looked after by your new girlfriend?

I haven't got a new girlfriend.

I found her bra at your place.

You went through my stuff?

Her things weren't exactly hidden.
They were all over the place.

I don't have a girlfriend.
I see some women.

But not when Gustav is around.

"I see some women!"

Nice.

You are the father of a little boy.

You can't go round behaving
like a fucking teenager.

Okay. Fine. We should not have keys
to each other's apartments any more.

Have you got stuck, darling?

Remember all your stuff.

We can't come back to get
your PlayStation games.

As if!

Ask Dad about that math assignment.

He will definitely be able to help.

I'll just copy off someone else's answer.

- What?
- It was a joke.

Express online has
a lot of stuff about Jeremy.

They've even posted his CV.

- Are we going to meet him?
- Don't count on it.

He's leaving soon.

It's just weird that YouTube has a clip
of a guy puking on my mom

and I've never even met him.

I don't want to meet him.
What if he throws up on us too?

Are you two dating?

No, Laura, we aren't.

No need to be ashamed of him.
He looks cute.

When did you go all nice?

Nothing to do with you, don't worry.

Sweetie, you are daydreaming.

Do you need a winding up?

[Birgitte in English]
How did your children take it?

Well, they thought it was pretty funny,
actually.

A little embarrassing.

But, um...

Well...

They asked lots of questions about you.
They would quite like to meet you.

That's really sweet.

Tell me about your plans.

Are you going ahead with the lectures?

Yes, it's just three days
of two hour lectures. It's not a problem.

But you are not well and you are going
to stay in that hotel?

I'll be fine.

[groans]

Look at you! You are not fine.

- Old man!
- [laughs]

No, I know you are not dying,
but you are not well.

You should be staying at my place.
Come and stay with me.

The kids went to their father's.

Yeah?

- Please? I can't cook though.
- I can cook.

Yeah?

[in Danish] Lars Hesselboe,
Birgitte Nyborg says

you're protecting the pig breeders?

Does the PM have a comment?

Birgitte Nyborg
is not a member of parliament.

But the three independents
may express their views to the house.

That's how parliamentary democracy works,
isn't it?

[Simon] Those were the words
of PM Hesselboe...

- Did he rise to the bait?
- He wouldn't even name our party.

Svend Åge Saltum...

[Simon] What do you say to Nyborg's
comments on animal welfare?

Quiet, please.

I see her comments
as a classical example

of how ignorant third parties
are suddenly shocked

by the realities of Danish agriculture.

But she would perhaps rather
have the pigs die of diseases

than fulfill the function
intended for them to start with.

[Simon]
We just heard from Svend Åge Saltum...

- Saltum can be provoked.
- Yes, to put it mildly.

Saltum has a pig farm himself.

Any talk of agriculture winds him up.

Perfect.
We will provoke him in Parliament.

Whom does he like least?

- He likes me.
- He thinks I am far too PC.

- Now where does he gets that from?
- What about you?

I am gay and a vegetarian.

Jon will do it.

The government has cut a deal
with Svend Åge Saltum

that can't be undone.

But that doesn't mean it is pretty.

And it absolutely
does not mean it is acceptable.

In the last 50 years
we have moved from keeping pigs

who lived in large pens,
wallowed in the mud,

and led proper piggy lives,

to storing pigs
in huge industrial plants.

They never see the light of day.
They live hellish lives.

That a pig breeder
like Svend Åge Saltum,

who knows that animals
are not just insentient machines

but creatures of flesh and blood,

can bring himself to
subscribe to such measures

is not only repellent
but utterly disgusting.

Thank you.

Jon Berthelsen is requested to employ
a more formal tone in future.

Torben, switch to Christiansborg.
They are arguing.

Perhaps Jon Berthelsen just can't
take the heat of the slaughterhouse.

After all, he has already
come out of the closet

and revealed himself to be...

a vegetarian.

So just what makes him think
that we should take him seriously

when he pontificates about
the way we produce pigs?

Huh? Because that is what we do.
We produce pigs for one purpose:

To slaughter them, chop them up,

sell them to the supermarket and eat them.

- We want him in the studio.
- Should we?

- Yes, it's great.
- I'll get Pia to phone him.

The Danish pig is the longest in the world

and we are the ones who have made it so.
We're proud of it.

P3 is asking if you'll appear
early tomorrow.

Well done, Jon. Good work.

That goes for all of you.

We are really beginning
to build an issue here.

- But we haven't rattled Hesselboe.
- I hadn't really expected to yet.

We're getting exposure
and Saltum took the bait.

Now we need to keep the momentum.

Saltum knows all about pig breeding.
It's his home turf.

To poke him where it really hurts,
I need to know more.

Asger, this is Birgitte Nyborg.
Birgitte, my brother Asger.

- Hello.
- Hi.

- I guess I know who you are.
- Do you know what brings me here?

- No, not entirely.
- Legislation to cut back on inspections

giving the pig industry
free rein to do what they want.

We don't think it's is a good idea.

Okay. Why not?

I know you behave decently,
but what about all the others?

We mind our own business here.

We don't want to shame anyone.
Just tell us about pig farming.

[Asger] It probably doesn't smell
quite like Copenhagen.

But this is where we breed the pigs.

[snorting]

They are cute, aren't they?

- When do they get to go outside?
- Outside?

Yeah.

- They don't get to go outside.
- But they used to?

[Asger] Many years ago. Not any more.

They get a bit of fresh air
on their way to the abattoir.

Why are they caged?

Sows can easily crush their piglets
if we don't use farrowing crates.

- Can I pet one?
- Yes, you can.

Hello. [chuckling]

[piglet squealing]

- Ooh. Is it nervous?
- No, it is fine.

Gestation crates keep the sows
from moving about, too.

How long are they fixated for?

From conception till they farrow.
115 days.

[Katrine] The problem is you're
too good at your job, right?

How big do pigs get nowadays?

[Asger] Up to two meters.

- Two meters, that's your height.
- Yes.

The gestation crates are sometimes
too small now and squish the sows.

- Leaving bruises, right?
- They're only good for sausages.

They are not pretty.
And the inspectors issue warnings.

And those are the inspections the
government wants to reduce in number.

Yes.

We're meant to put them into sick pens,
if we follow the rules.

But you don't always get them into
the sick pens or kill in them time.

Ah, don't make us sound worse than we are.

We receive warnings when that happens.

We have to get bigger and produce more
and yet we hardly make ends meet.

It is not easy, I can tell you.

Why not concentrate on quality?
Surely size isn't everything?

Nobody will pay for quality.

Changing to that model would cost me
much more than I could ever earn.

Yet we kill pigs all the time.

- You mean slaughter them?
- Oh, no.

In Denmark we destroy
25,000 piglets a day.

[Birgitte] What?

- A day?
- A day.

We breed sows to have
as many piglets as possible.

So the sows have litters
that are far, far too big.

No wonder you won't eat them.

- Don't you eat your own pigs?
- No.

The ones I eat are out the back.

- Outside?
- In a pigsty.

Rummaging in the mud,
the way God intended them to.

[cell phone ringing]

Thank you ever so much.
It has taught me a lot.

Thank you, Asger.

Anything I have told you
must not lead back to me.

My colleagues are under pressure.

- I am not a snitch.
- Asger, don't be silly.

I mean it, Katrine. Understand?

I am your sister.

I promise.

Scout's honor.

The debate on the new pig breeding
bill is in full swing in the house.

But it really kicked off yesterday
thanks to Birgitte Nyborg's supper out.

What is your problem
with Danish pig production?

We have moved
a long way away from nature.

Quality and animal welfare are
apparently issues to be avoided.

That goes for most foods...

The industry knows
it is not photogenic.

Although we have
a highly efficient industry,

we are often sold a very different
story when we shop for its products.

Then we are told
the story of the old farm

with the Danish flag flying
above the billowing wheat fields,

which is a long way from reality.

Actually, it's the image
the Freedom Party uses sell its policies.

The Freedom Party
did not wish to appear tonight.

No. Why discuss a bill for which
there is already a majority?

Thank you, Birgitte Nyborg.

Oh, there you are!
Now for sport.

Don't ask me to watch some farmer's show!

[Pia] Torben, chill.

- You have to watch this. TV1 North.
- Saltum letting his hair down.

We certainly don't mind
showing people

how things actually get
done in Denmark today.

You see, we cut off the piglets'
tails so they don't bite each other.

We only cut off a third,
because that is the rule.

We'd much rather cut off the whole thing.

But ignorance has set the limit.

[squealing]

It can't be very
pleasant for the piglet?

Pleasant?

[piglet squealing]

[snips]

[Svend] No, I'll be damned
if it's pleasant.

[laughing] But on the other hand
it is quickly forgotten.

Show this to the MPs and air it.

Hesselboe will simply have to comment.

- For real?!
- Yes, on the news at 6 o'clock.

And then take up as an issue on
Juul & Friis, right? Fucking great.

Excuse me, may I see your pass?

[chuckles] I don't have one.

Torben says the pig story
may end up on Juul & Friis.

- Clever of you!
- What do you mean?

It's just hot air yet you got
yourself a whole load of exposure.

[giggling]

Hi, Kasper.

Hey!

Hi.

Hi.

[Kasper] This way.

So that's his new girlfriend or what?

I don't keep tabs on Kasper's dating life.

He doesn't exactly
exercise restraint.

Not even with that new haircut
You know?

[chuckles politely]

Katrine, how about you and I go out
for a glass of wine one evening?

Just for old time's sake?

What do you say?

Ulrik...

You say "We'll talk about it"
and I am due in make-up.

- See you.
- Indeed.

- That's great.
- Yes. [laughs]

- Enjoy yourself.
- Thanks.

Hi.

Hi.

Hi, beautiful!

Is that mummy?

Had a good day? What a nice surprise!

Yes, I happened to be passing.
So I thought I would...

Did Kasper say when he would pick him up?

I think Stine was picking him up today.
She sometimes helps him like that.

I see.

I'll just take him
with me now then.

[squealing]

It's... I had no idea people
did things like that.

You must have had a suspicion.

No, I had no idea.

Such systematic abuse of innocent
creatures must stop immediately.

But your own chairman
was wielding the knife.

Can you make such a demand?

Svend Åge has been under pressure

because of the witch hunt against him...

- [in English] Do you have a grater?
- Cupboard?

- Here?
- Yes?

...the oppositions relentless persecution.

It started with a speech by
New Democrat Jon Berthelsen.

Danish pig production is a vital industry.

The New Democrats will not be making
unrealistic animal welfare demands.

[in English] So, risotto with mushrooms,
lemon rind and parsley.

Oh...

It looks amazing. Wow.

I can't comment on animal welfare
and the Freedom Party.

I'm sorry. I have to watch this.

[Hesselboe] Danish pig production
must continue...

[in English]
Oh, well. News that I don't understand.

[chuckles]

[in Danish] But I find the recent debate
highly unnecessary and very, very shrill.

He is made of Teflon.

[in English] What?

I'm sorry, I'm saying that
he is made of Teflon. He just...

He doesn't bow. He is...

- You worry too much.
- Oh, do I? I am the leader of a party

that no one knows exists and this man...

We can't even get him to recognize us.
He hasn't mentioned our name.

People have to know that
we are a real political party now.

[clicks]

[opera music playing]

I have noticed that there has been, um...

quite a lot of pigs on the news recently.

It's a bit of a coincidence, isn't it,

that it started right around the time
that I was ill.

Yeah, I might have used it
politically a little bit.

- Oh, you might have.
- Yeah.

I might have, you know...

completely exploited that.
I am sorry.

Oh, well, I guess that's
what you have to do.

I guess so.

What?

You know.

Suddenly, you and me...

Oh, I see.

- We're a couple having a TV dinner.
- Exactly.

It's fine.

- Is it?
- Yes.

Trust me, this is good.

And now we have to have sex.

- Is that so?
- I am afraid it is.

I wanted to fuck you at the hospital
but it didn't seem appropriate.

No.

[in Danish]
That was a super story. Excellent job.

Torben?

Hey, we'll talk later, okay?
That's fine. Bye. Yes?

- Did you see the mail from Alex?
- No, why?

"Dear Torben. I have just seen a man
cutting off piglet tails on the news.

Have you considered how many
children are viewing at this time?

TV1 is also a family channel.

We don't show violence against animals
while people are having dinner.

I assume you agree on this. Alex."

- Shall I reply?
- No.

He has no right to interfere.
It is my decision.

[door buzzing]

- Yeah?
- [man] Let me in!

[footsteps approaching]

You don't answer your phone.

You pick up Gustav on one of my days.

What is going on?

Lower your voice? He's asleep.

I just thought it was sad for Gustav
to be looked after by strangers

rather than his dad when his mom
has time to look after him.

You are way out of line.

Am I? Okay. It was all too easy to see
where your priorities lay today.

Stop turning everything I do against me.

She'll be feeding Gustav soon
while you shag one of the others.

- I am taking him home.
- He is fast asleep.

- He's my son and it's my day.
- You don't want him when he's awake.

I don't know
what has got into you, Katrine.

I don't understand.

You want a judge to determine custody?

[door slams]

Yet again the prime minister
puts the lid on a scandal.

You need to acknowledge his skill.

I can't see what
we should have done differently.

But at least we managed to shake Saltum.

Benedikte Nedergaard has huge
support in their party nationally.

Svend Åge has no idea
that he's fanning the flames.

[Svend] No, there are no internal rifts
in the Freedom Party.

I can refute that.

But what about the dramatic
reactions to your piglet demonstration?

Oh, that. All I did was show people
how things are done in real life.

On my farm, we obey all the regulations
to the letter!

Svend Åge follow the rules
"To the letter!"

[Svend] If people can't stomach it,

they should stick to celery burgers
next time they are at the supermarket.

The Freedom party has pursued
the same policy for over 20 years.

It's the policy the Danes want
and it's the policy we'll continue with.

Both inside and outside our party.

[cell phone ringing]

- Katrine speaking. Hello.
- Asger here.

Saltum's farm has
also received lots of warnings.

He is no better than the rest of us.

He goes on TV and tells blatant lies.

It puts all of us in a bad light.
I won't have it.

- You didn't hear that from me.
- I know. Thanks.

Erik? Saltum breaks the rules too.
That might be something for TV1.

- A bit unsavoury.
- But interesting.

[telephone ringing]

Katrine Fønsmark?

What a rare honor!

I heard from a reliable source

that Saltum has received
a number of warnings on his farm,

despite him saying the opposite
on your program.

Okay.

Fascinating. I thought you only
supplied news to our competitors?

Cut it out, Torben.

I try very hard to be even-handed.

What do you think? Interested?

Don't you think it is a bit shady that
the press officer for the New Democrats,

is feeding me this story?

Absolutely.

And I know TV1 will confirm the facts

and investigate the story
before you go any further with it.

You can be absolutely sure that I will!

- Okay, fire away.
- Listen to this...

Yes?

- TV1 will follow up on the story.
- Super. That's great.

- Anything else?
- No.

Well, yes, actually.

Could I ask you for the number
of that divorce lawyer you used?

The thing is...

Yeah. Um...

Kasper dates a lot of other women,
and that's his choice, of course.

But he leaves Kasper
to be looked after by strangers.

So I picked up Gustav
on one of Kasper's days and...

Is Gustav being
looked after insufficiently

at Kasper's?

- Well...
- Is he dressed and does he eat well?

Does he look healthy? Is he happy?

- Yes, but...
- Case closed.

I get it,

but mixing your own hurt feelings up
with the way you share your son

doesn't lead to anything good.
Trust me.

I'll keep you updated
on what TV1 says.

I think we should lay it on thick.
Photos of pigs.

Conventional Danish porkers in
restricted pens. With lesions, right?

Yes, you'll get that.

The inspection reports
show that in the last year

Saltum's farm has received four animal
welfare warnings concerning his pigs.

- Let's use them!
- What were they for?

Pens too small, sick pigs that
should have been destroyed.

- Worse than other farms?
- Not at all, Kasper.

But it means we can show people
pigs that are suffering.

- That will make the Danes happy.
- Yes!

Listen, the Freedom Party is
working on an amendment.

- Saltum?
- No, Benedikte.

- Nedergaard?
- She is getting her way.

Will he let her?

- She's young.
- And fit.

No, seriously...

- She is unbearable.
- Protector of little animals.

- Get Saltum and Nyborg.
- Perfect! More people shouting.

Use that tail cutting clip again.

- Is that a good idea?
- Yes, perfect.

It's a great concept. We're making
Juul & Friis, not Yuletide Fun.

And our expert here
looks like a vicious biker.

[laughs]

Hi, Svend Åge. It's the guy
who doesn't deserve his salary.

Nine million pigs are destroyed a year.

40% of our hogs are diseased
when they reach the abattoir.

And 30 cases of culpable neglect
are reported to the police...

Yes.

Hi.

- Long time no see.
- You've done well.

- Good to see you.
- Likewise.

- Hi.
- Hi.

What happened to your hair?

- Oh, no!
- Did you get too hot?

[laughing]

- Ready?
- As ready as can be.

- Be aggressive.
- What else would you expect?

We will start with an intro,

me and Torben, so if you stand back...

- Not too much.
- Hi, Torben.

Welcome. Glad you could make it.

Five seconds to broadcast...

[director] Camera 3.

In politics this week, a modern version
of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale

about the feather
that turned into five hens.

In this version
a simple case of a stomach ache

developed into something that is
affecting the entire Danish pig industry.

For the New Democrats,

the pork chop consumed
by British architect Jeremy Welsh

may prove extremely profitable.

Because it has put Birgitte Nyborg's
independents on the political map.

Birgitte, you must be delighted?

Not at all.

Not while Danish pig production
is still trying to compete with the world

on quantity rather than quality.

Svend Åge Saltum.
Hasn't Birgitte Nyborg got a point?

Shouldn't we, to a greater extent...

Danish pork exports earn billions of
kroner for Denmark year after year.

How does Birgitte Nyborg think
Denmark can do without pigs?

I don't think that at all.

I want us to do better.
Things are not good enough as is.

Unlike Birgitte Nyborg,

not everyone can afford 250 kroner
for a rib roast, can they?

In the last 50 years the Danes have
doubled their meat consumption.

Yet they want lower prices.

If we expect to only pay 18 kroner
per pound of pork roast,

then we force Svend Åge Saltum
and other pig breeders

to produce pigs that have to be
destroyed because they are too weak.

Now that is not good enough.

How about we stop ascribing
human emotions to industrial products?

Give me a break.
We make a product for the supermarket

and it's good enough to be exported to
many other countries.

What is the problem?

Birgitte, are you above eating
what most Danes eat?

Not at all.
But when 40% of our pigs are sick

and nine million are thrown away a year
because we produce too many,

is that good enough?

Don't we need improvements?
You don't even eat them yourselves!

What is this nonsense?

I know a farmer near Randers
who keeps other pigs separate out back,

for his own family to eat.

That is not good enough, Svend Åge.

It's the shopper
who votes with their wallet.

They would never dream...

We produce garbage because
that's what people prefer to eat.

[Kasper clears throat]

[Ulrik] The Freedom Party has
been bustling with activity

since its chairman
declared last night on live TV

that Danish farmers produce
what he called "garbage"

for the Danish consumer.

Simon Beck is ready to tell us more after
the party meeting that has just ended...

[reporters clamoring]

The political debate over the last
few days on animal welfare

has inspired
debate within the party.

But everyone in the group is
now in line with our official policy.

Which is?

We speak for the animals.

We demand an
immediate ban on tail docking

and the creation of a special
animal police force

whose duty will be the
enforcement of the animal protection law.

You must excuse us, we are going
to have talks with the Liberals. Thanks.

- Svend Åge Saltum...
- [reporters clamoring]

No comment...

I have no comments at all.

How many times do I have to repeat it.
No comment...

- The Liberals won't agree.
- And Nedergaard won't budge.

Not now that she has
her entire party behind her.

- That is great. We're making a difference!
- We really are.

It feels great.

Now, get a comment from Lars Hesselboe.

- Yes, of course.
- Torben?

Hi.

- How are you doing?
- Fine.

- All well?
- Mmm.

- Torben, a word.
- In my office?

No. Didn't I recommend that you
refrain from using the piglet clip?

Sure.

But you used it again.
On your own program.

Yes.

How do you expect me to react?

That's up to you.

But, yes, it must be tough
on young children

forced to watch piglets having
their tails clipped off.

- But I deemed it necessary for the story.
- We're not talking about...

However, Alex, I have no issue with
showing it again on Juul & Friis.

A program that is on
at 10:30 in the evening.

If there are still children watching,
it's not my problem, but the parents.

Is it good TV to show an old man
abusing innocent creatures?

I am head of news, Alex.
I decide. That's my job.

I see.

Later, Alex.

Way to go, Torben.

It's a madhouse at Borgen.

What is that?

Benedikte emerged from her meeting
with Hesselboe yelling her head off? Okay.

[Jon] Don't look so pissed off.
Smile, Erik!

- We haven't won yet.
- [Jon cell phone ringing]

She knew Hesselboe
would never accept her demands.

You think she'll give in?

She's nothing to gain otherwise.

If she gives in...

All this will be history.

Hesselboe wants the Moderates
to make a deal

and to cut out the Freedom Party.

- He won't do that.
- [Jon] Sure he will.

[cell phone ringing]

But he has no majority without them.

Hi, Lars.

Can we meet with you
and your independents?

Sure. But use our party name.

My mistake. Will the New Democrats
meet me as soon as possible?

I think that's possible. 3:00 PM?

- We're going to Christiansborg.
- Seriously?

I'll just cancel my meeting...

It'll be just Jon and I.

To show we are a party
and not a handful of independents.

[dramatic music playing]

- Hello.
- Good to see you.

Likewise.

You know Bent and Christian.

- Christian.
- Hi, Lars.

I am not bearing gifts.

If I was then I might have
a deal with the Freedom Party now.

Not with their demands.

I won't let their little amendment
to the law on pork production

get more attention than it deserves.

Okay. Should we get started?

I understand that you have
already talked to the Moderates?

I suppose you'll expect Jacob Kruse
to emerge hand-in-hand with you?

And that you've presented
tacked on harsher penalties

for any farmers who do get caught
despite the less restrictive inspections.

Maybe threw in a million or two
for organic farmers?

Something along those lines.

There must be no doubt that we think

Danish pig breeding
as it is today is unsustainable.

But... we can't put that in our bill.

I realize that, Lars.

We want an independent commission
to see how bad things are

and how much it would cost
for the whole industry

to convert to a greener, more ethical,
more quality-minded methods.

You want a government-funded
discussion club? You got it.

But surely that's not all?

No.

You must admit that this deal

is not just with the Moderates
and a couple of independents,

but with the New Democrats.

Refer to us as a party.

We will emerge from our talks
side by side.

Our name must be
in the press release.

We want to be credited with
setting up the commission, too.

And?

A kind word from the PM
would be appreciated as well.

There is an upper limit to everything,
Birgitte!

Well, we have agreed on a compromise

that will immediately benefit
an important export industry.

It will also save public funds.

I am grateful to the parties
who have made this deal.

We're going to set up a commission
to examine Danish pork production.

This splendid initiative is based on
a proposal by the New Democrats.

Over to the Minister of Agriculture
who has more details about the proposal.

Cut! Back to Ulrik.

[Dan] And camera on Ulrik.
Go ahead, Ulrik.

Pundits say this is a triumph
for the New Democrats,

who have now put themselves
on the political map.

I can't tell the prime minister
to come in earlier

because I have to go home
and make pork chops for the boys. I can't.

Hello? Hello?

Pia says the pork in the fridge
belongs to you.

- Yeah.
- It's disgusting, Torben.

Really.

It's got this delicate layer
of white fur on and a whiff of...

I do believe it has passed
its best before date.

And there is no room
for our stuff either, so...

Unless you're breeding something special,
maybe you can remove it?

Of course...

Unless...

Of course, I'll...

I'll throw them out. Of course.

- I'd really appreciate it.
- No problem.

[Torben] As long as it doesn't result
in another complaint.

No, Ulrik, it was a great show tonight.

Pia, what's this about him and Alex?
They seem very close...

- They've started playing squash together.
- Okay.

So they're showering together.

Uh, I just wanted to say thank you.

For what?

It means a lot to all of us
to have our old boss back.

When you act like you did today,
it makes us proud of what we do.

And not some kind
of stupid meta-narrative...

I do try to do my best.
But it's the whole news desk...

Torben,
I just wanted to say thanks.

Okay, thanks, great.

Oh, yes...

Mmm.

[computer chimes]

"Torben, that is the last time
you defy me in front of the staff.

Otherwise you'll have to consider
whether you are still part of the team.

Regards, Alex."

[Kasper] You've called Kasper Juul.
Please leave a message or send me a text.

It's me.

I just wanted to say...

I just wanted to say sorry.

I think you should
pick Gustav up tomorrow.

Yes. Bye.

[Jeremy in English]
You're reading already?

They are saying we won as a party, but...

The pigs lost.

Yes, something like that.

There is some truth to that,
isn't there?

I don't know.

You get what you wanted, recognition.
And the pigs at least get a commission.

I loved your risotto.

- I am sorry I forgot to say it.
- It was a labor of love.

I have to go.

Okay.

Take care.

Don't eat pigs you can't trust.

I'll see you.

Soon, I hope.

You're difficult to get a hold of.
I've called several times.

Go home. I don't want you here right now.

- What?!
- I told you.

I wasn't to be quoted.
I made that very clear.

- I am so sorry...
- And Birgitte Nyborg goes on TV.

"She knows a farmer near Randers
who won't eat his own pork."

Now I am involved.

- Do you understand?
- Yes, Asger, I understand.

But listen...

[flies buzzing]

I found it here this morning.
"From farmers under pressure."

What do you want me do?

What should I tell Rikke and the kids?

I wanted the best for...

You wanted the best for yourself.

And not for the first time.

Goodbye, Katrine.

[theme music playing]

BORGEN is a work of fiction
inspired by real events.

The series references historical figures

and events in Danish politics
prior to 1982.

Subtitles by: Charlotte Reeve