Borgen (2010–2013): Season 4, Episode 4 - Ministeren ønsker ikke at udtale sig - full transcript

A NETFLIX SERIES

"HOW ON EARTH ARE YOU GOING TO MANAGE
IN GREAT BIG DENMARK?"

- NIVIAQ KORNELIUSSEN, BLOMSTERDALEN

[Katrine] Er… Munk, Friis. It's time.

Close the door behind you.

Okay, it's super important to follow
a strict plan on this.

We'll break the story as a text message
on all platforms at 1 p.m.

So let's go over the plan.

Well, Benjamin's lining up
all the party leaders at Christiansborg.

Then we'll show them the text.
We have to expect strong reactions.

It's clear-cut proof that she has lied
to the Foreign Policy Committee.



We'll post them online regularly.

We'll post their reactions
and invite Nyborg to the studio at six.

[door opens]

Er… can you give us five minutes?

Thanks.

I find it really hard to see
how Nyborg can get out of this one.

Yeah, it'll be interesting to hear
how she'll defend herself.

-Shall I call her?
-What?

No, that's a great call to make.
I'll do it.

Actually, considering
my relationship to Birgitte, er,

I think it makes sense for me to do it.

[theme music playing]

THE MINISTER DOES NOT WISH TO COMMENT

-[Rasmus] Birgitte.
-Okay, well…



I want you to meet Nina,
our new ministerial secretary.

-Lovely to meet you.
-Likewise.

I've been looking forward
to working for you.

-Regitze from legal…
-[Oliver] I've got that.

Er, we have to talk about
Jon Berthelsen first. It's important.

Okay. Thanks.

Thank you.

You don't like the new
personal secretary much?

Jon has requested an emergency meeting.

Emergency?

It will be at 2 p.m.
and there is just one item on the agenda.

You changing your stance.

What? I didn't change
my stance on the oil.

It's their wording in the notification.

Oliver, we don't accept
their version of the matter.

Then it becomes the truth. You just write

that I will be happy to discuss
how we shall respond to the fact

that Greenlanders are now insisting
that we exploit the oil.

[phone rings]

Yeah. It's Katrine Fønsmark.

It's probably because the news
wants to run the same story.

So we'll let her wait for a bit.

She'll probably call you in a moment.

Say I'm in a meeting
and I'll get back to her.

-[Oliver's phone rings]
-Look, there she is already.

Yes.

-Oliver Hjorth.
-This is Katrine Fønsmark.

I'd like to speak to Birgitte Nyborg.
It's important.

The minister is in a meeting.

I was once the person who took
Birgitte's phone when she didn't want to,

and believe me,
this is a call she'll want to take.

I'm sorry, but the minister is very busy.
Is there anything I can do?

Well, you know what?

You can give my regards to the minister,

and tell her I have a text message
sent from your phone

which shows she was aware that Gamov
was one of the owners of the oil company

before the meeting
with the Foreign Policy Committee.

-Do you understand what I'm telling you?
-Yeah.

TV1 has proof that Birgitte Nyborg
has violated the Accountability Act.

That's illegal. It could cost her her job.

It was from your phone.

Yeah, I'll tell the minister.

I think you should do that.

Tell her that the story
will go live at 1 p.m.,

and we will give the other party leaders
the opportunity to comment.

Then she can consider if she has time to
come on the six o'clock news to explain.

Is that a deal?

I'll tell her.

[Pia] What did Nyborg say?

Er, she didn't have time to talk to me.

So I delivered the good news
to her personal secretary.

Okay. But she'll come in at six?

Yes, of course she will. Once she sees
how serious the situation is.

Well, then I'll tell Narciza.

Is Narciza hosting at six?

Er, yeah.

It wasn't convincing the last time
she had Nyborg in the studio.

But Nyborg came with her own agenda
which we knew nothing about.

I mean, we were all surprised.

Yeah, but then it's the main job
of a news anchor

not to lose focus
even if you get surprised.

Yes, but Narciza is hosting
the six o'clock news.

Can't we give it to Mikkel?

Katrine, we have a schedule,
and we simply--

Yeah. And, Pia, schedules
are good and practical.

But if they start to compromise
the quality of our programmes

they are of no use, right?

But listen, you don't have to worry.
I'll talk to Narciza.

-Yes?
-Okay?

Sure. I just don't think
she'll be pleased.

No, but we'll figure it out.

[dramatic instrumental music playing]

[seagulls squawking]

[whispers] Why is it that we keep
having to meet at Hans's house?

Well, it is his office
when he's here in Ilulissat.

[Hans] You're not getting a face tattoo.

[Tanja] My great-grandma couldn't.

And that's why I want them!

It's important!

[Hans] You don't even remember
your great-grandmother.

[door opens, slams shut]

[Tanja] You don't get to decide this!

It's none of your business!

-[Tanja] Oh, this is bullshit!
-[door slams shut]

[Hans] Sorry about that.

[Emmy clears throat]

It's okay, Hans.

-Shall we begin?
-Yeah.

[Hans] Nyborg went through the wringer
in the media. Will she make it?

Yes, she will.

Now that she has changed her stance
on the oil project,

I assume you've made sure that nobody
will try to unseat her.

Well, I'm certainly glad
that we can get started

on the second round of negotiations.

[Hans] We've spent plenty of time
discussing the pros and cons.

Now we can discuss realities.

Time schedules. Money.

I have made a proposal.

[Hans] Denmark's annual block grant
to Greenland is at 3.9 billion.

As soon as that oil revenue increases,
we will phase out the block grant.

And once it is phased out,
we are economically independent.

And then all of the oil revenue
will belong to Greenland.

And then all of the oil revenue
will belong to Greenland.

Hans, are you sure this is the official
policy of the Greenlandic government?

Okay, look. It's one thing you've come to
an agreement on exploiting the oil.

But it is no secret
that you're part of a coalition.

And while your own party
wants independence,

the Premier's wants the opposite.
She wants to be affiliated with Denmark.

Do you agree?

[Emmy clears throat]

Both the Premier and the entire government
supports this proposal.

-Hi, Asger.
-[Asger] Is it a bad time?

[Birgitte]
No, I'm going to a party meeting.

I'm standing in Hans Eliassen's
utility room… again.

We have to change strategy.

They have a completely new agenda.
They want it all.

And the Premier is on their side.

But that's complete madness.

Yes. But we have to change gears,

and it has to happen somewhat quickly.

It would be best
if you could come up here.

-I can't do that right now.
-No, I know.

So I propose that you
invite them to Copenhagen.

Respectfully and as equal partners.

We simply have to get you
to be a part of these negotiations,

and then you and I will have to do
a "good cop/bad cop" routine.

[Birgitte] And I'm the bad cop?

No, you're just a slightly
more important cop.

-[man coughs]
-Hi, everyone.

-[Jon] Hi.
-I'm sorry.

It's okay, Birgitte. We've just sat down.

-We were just talking about…
-Me?

I know this has been a turbulent time
for the party and our political strategy.

Turbulent? I'm the Climate Minister,
and during the last few days

you have made a complete U-turn
on the oil in Greenland.

It's the official government policy.

It has become official policy because
you let yourself be pressured into it.

The government would've been met
by a vote of no confidence.

It'd be more correct to say that you would
have been met by a vote of no confidence.

And where would that have left us?

I would have resigned and you, Jon,
would've taken over the Foreign Ministry.

Or should I have pulled the New Democrats
out of the government?

Meaning a general election
before we'd been in power for 100 days.

[Nadia] Well, our constituencies
are puzzled as well.

Yes, I had to speak to my chairman
for hours yesterday.

But you have to control your constituency.
You call your chairman

and shut the matter down.
That's the end of it.

Birgitte, we're here because we believe
in something after all.

[woman] Thanks, Jon.

Climate is a core issue in the policy
that got us elected.

-And our constituents--
-I'm sorry, I'm gonna stop you there.

As the Minister for Climate and Energy,
you know perfectly well

that the global oil consumption is rising
because many countries

have a growing middle class
which wants to lead the life we're living.

-But, Birgi--
-Wait, Jon.

Then there is Greenland who has control
of their own natural resources.

Jon, you know that as Justice Minister.

So we're not able to stop them
from exploiting the oil.

You know that.

So what I have basically been guilty of
is accepting the state of affairs.

I agree with Birgitte on this one.

I think we can do more for the climate
by having a seat at the table,

and influencing Greenland
and the international players

to include climate in the negotiations.

[Birgitte] Well, I'm sorry
this can only be a short meeting.

Thank you very much.

[chair scrapes on floor]

-Yeah.
-[door closes]

Well, we accomplished a lot.

-Yes, it's just to tighten the story up.
-[knocking]

Narciza? Sorry to disturb you.
Can I have a word?

[Narciza] Thanks. Yeah?

I would like to move you
to the 9:30 news tonight

if you're able to do that.

Erm… how come?

Birgitte Nyborg is coming in at six,
and I think it would be better

if it's not the same interviewer.

We've done that plenty of times.

I had the head of the National Council
in the studio twice last week.

True, but this is Birgitte Nyborg
who is in the middle of a serious crisis,

and I think we have
a special editorial responsibility.

I'm sorry, but we have
completely fixed schedules.

We never change them
regardless of who's the guest.

Your last interview with her
wasn't fantastic.

Okay.

So that's what you really wanted to say.

What was the problem with that interview?

You were face-to-face with a politician
changing her stance on live television,

and you didn't question it.

She changed the topic.
She had an agenda nobody knew about.

And it is your job
as an interviewer to stay on point.

Instead you changed the topic and began
to talk about Greenland's independence.

You handed her the damn interview.

This evening is a very special evening.

Birgitte Nyborg might have to step down,

and in my judgement
it would be psychologically better

that she is facing an anchor she hasn't
been pulling around by the nose.

I mean, if this was
a football match I would say

you played the first half,
you didn't score.

-We're going with another striker.
-I didn't score?

And what happens if I won't accept this?

-I'm asking you as your boss--
-No, you're moving me,

as my boss, from one show to another
because of alleged incompetence.

-Okay, do we really have to take it--
-Yes, we do.

Okay, then we'll do that.

This is my decision,
and I'm sorry you don't agree.

End of discussion.

[Rasmus] Goddammit, we never
send something like that in a text.

You only handle something
like that over the phone.

Yeah.

This is not an optimal situation.

"This is not an optimal situation"

is just diplomat-speak
for "this is a catastrophe".

I know that I can get fired for this.

I can't be making this kind of mistake
and work at the Foreign Ministry. God!

I mean, if I count high school,

I have spent half my life
trying to get here

and I haven't had any
summer vacations because

I've been going to summer school
while at university,

and I was number one in my class
just like you probably were.

Yeah, I was number two.

And then it was a text.

I'll get the minister.

Get a grip, okay?

[door opens]

[inhales sharply]

[breathes rapidly]

Birgitte, I just want you to know
I feel terrible that--

You're still my secretary,
and I'm still the minister.

There's no majority against me.

Send an email to TV1 News.

"The minister does not wish to comment."

"She has already explained the matter,

and a majority in Parliament
apparently agrees."

And you and I have to look at
how to split the potential oil revenue.

There, Oliver. It's politics.
It moves fast. Move on, okay?

-Yeah.
-[Rasmus] Bye.

Jens Jakob, I'm giving you a minister
who is obviously lying, yeah?

Right? I mean, there is proof.

Yes. And the best you can give me
is that she's got a slap on the wrist?

I'll talk to you later.

What's up?

I think we can question

if there's an opposition
in the country at the moment.

The Liberals can't be bothered
to reopen the case against Nyborg

now the majority is supporting the oil.

And Nyborg doesn't wish to comment.

-What?
-You haven't seen the email?

-No.
-No?

"The minister does not wish to comment."

"She has already explained the matter,

and a majority in parliament
apparently agrees."

-That's a problem.
-That's what I'm trying to say.

Yeah, but I don't mean that.

I mean that it's an extremely
dangerous new tendency.

Those political games
in Parliament is one thing,

but that a minister dares to answer
in an email that she has no comment

in such a serious matter,
that's unacceptable!

No, it's not. It's really not.

I think we should look into this.

How often do Danish ministers
respond by email now

compared to 10, 15 years ago?

My guess is that it is much more often.

It wasn't especially common when Nyborg
was the prime minister,

but in Kragh's government
it seems to be the norm.

That's a huge problem for our democracy.

-What are you doing?
-It's great stuff.

If we can't get any statements
from the opposition,

maybe we can get one from the government.

I'm calling Nyborg's boss.

And I'm gonna say exactly
what you just said. This is Friis.

Hi, Niels Erik. Do you have two minutes?

[newsreader] This is the one o'clock news.

TV1 has obtained text messages

which show that Birgitte Nyborg was aware

of the Russian owners of the company
digging for oil in Greenland

shortly before she denied any knowledge
to the Foreign Policy Committee.

It looked different to the one
you showed me before.

-[knocking]
-Didn't it?

[Rasmus] Yes.

The Chinese embassy
wants to schedule a meeting.

-Do we know what it's about?
-[Rasmus] I'm on it. I'll call them.

Er, and TV1 just broke the news about you.

Yes, I saw it. It was exactly like I said.

They only have one indignant comment
from Solidaric Unity.

You still don't think you ought
to get a press adviser?

-It's under control.
-Before it's too late.

Listen, I've just emailed
the Prime Minister.

"Dear Signe."

"You have probably seen
the story about me right now."

"I just want to inform you that I have
talked to the opposition,

and they have no interest
in reopening the case."

-"All is good. Love, Birgitte."
-[phone chimes]

From: Signe Kragh - Thanks for the email.

Stop by my office early, please? Love, S.

-[man] Just go in.
-Thanks.

Did you know
that I have always looked up to you?

You were my number one idol.

I remember when you presented
your first government

in front of the royal palace. I thought,

"That woman is doing it right."

"I want to be like that."

-Oh.
-Yes.

But when I get a call from TV1 News

and I'm told that you have answered
a journalist by email

that you don't wish
to comment on the matter,

I am seriously worried what kind of signal
this government is sending.

Well, it's probably sending the signal
its boss thinks it should send.

You said at a cabinet meeting
right after we took power

that you would like us to send
more written replies

because you wanted more control
over communication.

But not to the extent that it makes us
look undemocratic, Birgitte.

Undemocratic?

Yes.

What do you call your attempt
to place Michael Laugesen

in a key position,
one of your closest friends,

with no regard to voters, Parliament
or the government?

Well, nothing came of it,
as you know, Birgitte.

And I can tell you that my friendship
with Laugesen is definitively over.

And did the media make sure of that?
No, they didn't.

But my own Foreign Minister did.

So this is actually payback?

Can't you see that there is no reason
to comment any more?

There is no case.
Parliament has confidence in me.

Yes, but sometimes a minister should also
consider other people's confidence.

Such as that
of the Danish people and mine.

And I would like you to go
on the news tonight and explain yourself.

We don't have time for all this.
Without Nyborg, it'll be short.

It's a damn good story.

Denmark has a murderer in Greenland
drilling for oil.

Isn't that a great story?

Well, Nyborg is coming after all.

-Great.
-That's great.

Run the full package.

Katrine. [clears throat]

Listen, I have to tell you that

I find it very weird to be taking
Narciza's show from her.

Okay. I can understand that.

But it is my decision,
and I've explained my reasons to Narciza.

I think it would better serve us
not to have the same anchor

interview the minister on the same matter
several days in a row.

Sure, and I understand that. But I--

[woman] Hi. I'm sorry to bother you.
I'm Lone Jacobsen. I'm from HR.

We're actually under
a bit of pressure right now, Lone,

because we're planning the main story
for six o'clock. Can it wait?

That is actually what I want
to discuss with you.

And maybe we shouldn't discuss it
in the middle of an open-plan office.

Of course. Er, let's go into the kitchen
I'll be back.

[door closes]

I just talked to one of your
other anchors, Narciza Aydin,

who tells me that according
to the schedule

she is hosting the six o'clock news,

but you have informed her
that she is not doing that show

because you don't find her qualified
to conduct a specific interview. Correct?

Yeah, it's more or less correct,
even though it's probably Narciza's spin.

Okay.

She has contacted
the Danish Union of Journalists.

So we have an obligation
to pursue the case.

Okay. Er, I have to say
that it is a complete overreaction.

I swapped two anchors.
There is simply nothing weird about that.

But I have heard what you're saying.
Thank you for telling me.

Now, I simply have to move on
with my programme.

[interviewer] Signe Kragh do you still
have confidence in Birgitte Nyborg

after the news breaking
on TV1 earlier today?

[Signe] I have confidence
in all my ministers,

and I know she'll speak
to the press later.

And I'm certain she will
address the matter

to everyone's satisfaction
so we can all get back to work.

[interviewer] It hasn't been possible
to get a comment from Birgitte Nyborg,

but we managed to get hold
of the deputy party leader

of the New Democrats,
Jon Berthelsen, for a comment.

And, Jon Berthelsen, how do you respond
to the tangible evidence

that Nyborg has withheld
important information

from the Foreign Policy Committee?

Yes, well, I can't comment on that
at the moment for good reasons…

No comments, Jon. And off you go.

[interviewer] But, Jon, you're
the Justice Minister of this country.

This ought to have
consequences for Nyborg, right?

[Jon] Well, it so happens that we have
a central legal principle in this country

which states that you're innocent
until proven guilty.

Don't comment at all, Jon.

[interviewer] If Nyborg is forced
to step down,

are you then ready to take over
as party leader?

It's the nature of things
that the deputy leader

is ready to take over
if the leader steps down.

-Oh, you are, are you?
-[interviewer] Thank you, Jon Berthelsen.

I'm obviously shocked to learn that

a person like Mikhail Gamov…

-Not "shocked". For a person like Mikhail…
-[knock on door]

Yes?

-[Rasmus] Hi.
-Yeah?

I called the Greenlandic
Permanent Secretary to pressure them

to come to Copenhagen to negotiate.

It's fine. Have we heard back
from the American ambassador?

He's busy all day and can't make it.

Unbelievable! Even when
you're the one calling?

-They know what it is you want.
-And what do I want?

You want the United States to help you
explain to the news

that they asked you
to withhold information about Gamov.

That is not going to happen.

They will never reveal
their security policies

to help out a Danish minister
who is in trouble.

-[knocking]
-[Oliver] TV1 asked if you'll come early.

And the Chinese embassy
has once again asked for a meeting.

Ugh, I don't want to have a meeting
with the Chinese ambassador.

I want to talk to the American one.

Thank you, Oliver. I'll call them.
Are you getting anything to eat?

-Shall I bring you some food?
-I'm not hungry.

Okay. What will you say on the news?

Well, it's completely ridiculous
that the Prime Minister

insists that I go on the news
when Parliament supports me.

But they won't if I have to be responsible
for a deal with a Russian criminal.

And you don't think I can talk
to the Americans,

so what do you really think I should say?

I'm the permanent secretary.
I run this ministry.

And now I really think
you should get a special adviser,

or hire someone
that you can use that tone with.

[sighs]

Do you want… Do you want a cup of coffee?

No, no, thanks.

Er, but thank you for… taking the time.

Yes, of course.

It's just a formality
so we can close the case.

You were one of the last people
to see Malik alive.

Yes. He, er…

He drove me out
to the drilling site once, and then…

then we hung out a bit afterwards.

Did you notice anything
in particular about him?

No. He seemed like a nice guy.

Erm…

I know that he missed the Navy.

He met one of his former colleagues
who was in town.

-Did he seem upset?
-No.

-Or depressed?
-No, I don't think so.

Maybe…

How do I put it? Down on his luck?

He, erm…

He said that he had more luck
with the ladies back in the day.

[policeman murmurs]

And I think he smoked a joint
once in a while.

Hmm. It makes sense.

Then I think we can close this one.

Excuse me. What makes sense?

Well, he was thrown out of the Navy,

and his marriage had fallen apart,

and he spent a lot more money
than he made.

And in the end he couldn't cope any more.

Suicide.

Far too many young men
choose that way out.

Greenland has the highest
suicide rate in the world.

It's tragic.

[emotional string music playing]

Hi, Tanja.

My mum and dad are idiots.

It's been a hundred years
since Malik was in the Navy.

This wasn't what he looked like at all.

I think parents are like that.

This was how Malik was.

It's a nice photo.

[Tanja sniffles]

It's completely unbearable to think

that such a nice young man
ends up taking his own life.

It's so typical of you Danes
to say something like that.

"Greenlanders commit suicide and drink."

What if it wasn't suicide?

I'm sorry.
That wasn't what I meant at all.

Malik would never do such a thing.

-I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
-Don't touch me.

-Don't you think you ought to--
-Can't you just leave?

-You'll get cold.
-Go!

[Tanja] Can't you just leave now?

He was my brother!

-I'm sorry.
-Leave me alone!

I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that.

Er, no.

Just get out of here!

Go!

NYBORG KNEW ABOUT RUSSIAN CONNECTION

[man] We have called you, Maria Lottrup,
political editor at Jyllands-Posten.

The café we went to in Brooklyn
when you were here.

Should Nyborg look for another job?

[Maria] Unless she can pull an unusually
large rabbit out of her hat,

it's hard to imagine a top politician
and current minister

survive a case where
there is concrete evidence

that she has lied to one of
the Parliament's most powerful committees

and thereby to Parliament itself
and ultimately to the people of Denmark.

-[pounding on door]
-Would you wait a minute!

Sorry, I just need two seconds.

I just spoke to the Chinese embassy,
and I think you ought to have a quick word

with the ambassador.

What about?

They won't give any details,

but they said it was about
the current political situation.

We never hear the Chinese
say anything like that.

And furthermore the ambassador
will be here in five minutes.

Mr Ambassador, what a surprise.

My apologies to the Foreign Minister
for the urgency.

Oh, there's no need for that.

I have some information

that I'm certain the minister would want
to be made aware of

before her appearance on the news.

It is about… Greenland.

About Greenland?

We need to call an emergency meeting

in the Foreign Policy Committee
as soon as possible.

-Say 4:45 p.m. That'll give 'em two hours.
-I'll do it.

Good. Oliver, will you ask TV1 News to put
my interview at the end of the show?

I can't make it for six o'clock,
but I'll make it for 6:20.

-Yep.
-Thanks.

Rasmus, brief the Prime Minister's office

that there's critical news
in the oil case.

It's not like the Secretary
to the Foreign Minister

to come to the PM's office
at such short notice.

Relations between our ministers
have been a bit cool.

Maybe because your minister sometimes
chooses to pass confidential information

directly on to the media.

-[Rasmus] We're trying to make up.
-[Niels Erik] Good.

It seems that things
are about to get very cold in Greenland,

and you won't like it.

-[door opens]
-Where's the bloody fire?

Well, thank you so much for coming
at such short notice.

-Did we have a choice?
-No.

-Can I talk to you?
-Yeah.

Okay, she'll be here soon.

Your mantra is just
"stick to your guns," okay?

Stick to your guns.
She's a master of diversions.

This isn't about foreign policy
or whatever else she might come up with.

This is about her breaking the law.

She still has the support of a majority.

But she is Birgitte Nyborg,

and it goes against her image
to be the type of politician

who lies and shirks responsibility.

Hi, Narciza.

Didn't we have an agreement?

I don't know that we had.

It was my show.

But I just wanted to stop by to reassure
Mikkel that there was no hard feelings.

Thanks.

That is really sweet of you to come
and support your colleague.

To me, it looks like a demonstration

which can only make Mikkel
and everyone involved nervous,

and you know what? It's disloyal.

You remove me from a show,
and I'm the one being disloyal?

Can I stop you?
We're live in a minute and a half.

-Do you think you can--
-Of course.

-Give him time to concentrate. Shall we?
-Yes, thanks.

Thank you, Narciza.

Stick to your guns. Stick to your guns.

[Mikkel] TV1 has acquired documentation
that the Russian citizen Mikhail Gamov

is owner of the company
that wants to extract oil in Greenland.

He has close ties to the Russian president

and has been linked
to an assassination attempt

on a leader of the Russian opposition.

Furthermore, he will be
on the EU's sanction list

because he is suspected

of being part of extensive
money laundering.

Birgitte Nyborg, at a meeting with
the Foreign Policy Committee last week

you were asked if Mikhail Gamov was
involved in the oil company in Greenland.

And you answered no to that question.

But earlier today TV1 revealed
that you knew that Gamov is a co-owner

and that you had begun to seek
further information about him.

Is that right?

Only partially correct.

The fact of the matter is
that when it comes

to international concerns of this size,

it can be incredibly difficult
to discover something which may sound

as simple as knowing the owners.

Ah, Birgitte Nyborg, the name
has to be in the contract.

Actually, that's not the case, Mikkel.

You have to go through several
holding companies and concerns

before you reach anything
that can be linked to Gamov.

And at the meeting with
the Foreign Policy Committee

I still didn't have
the full overview of the owners,

-and therefore I thought--
-I have to interrupt you here.

You're denying that Gamov
is the co-owner of the oil company?

Yes, I am, as a matter of fact.

He and every single Russian company
has been bought out

by a Chinese equity fund.

[Torben] China? Holy shit.

Don't let her off the hook, Mikkel.
Come on.

Then why didn't you just say
that he had been a co-owner?

Because I didn't want to raise suspicion
and fear unnecessarily.

Just look at your segment.

As a news outlet,
you naturally focus on the drama.

A scary Russian who might kill
members of the opposition.

[Birgitte] It's a good story.
And that's your job.

My job as a minister is primarily
to contribute to a true story.

We were still finding who owned what,

and that's why I chose not to mention it
until we had all the facts.

But… you're sitting with your colleagues
on the Foreign Policy Committee.

It's the most confidential room
at Christiansborg.

You don't think they would've been
able to handle the information

about Mikhail Gamov?
The meetings are confidential.

Well, apparently not more confidential

than you inviting me here
to discuss details

about what was said
at a confidential meeting.

I had every reason to believe
that the information could be leaked.

Or what do you think?

Best to let the Foreign Policy Committee
reply to that,

so let's leave that question.
Birgitte Nyborg, thank you for coming.

-[groans] Annoying.
-[phone dings]

Her Chinese trumps our Russians.
Don't they?

Tweet: Competent @Narciza_Aydin
removed for "incompetence"?!

Tweet: Feminist leaders make me sick!

Tweet: Is @TV1News changing?

[bell tolling]

[sniffles]

[glass clinking]

Long day?

Yeah.

Cheers.

Cheers.

-What are we celebrating?
-That you still have a job.

-Would you have fired me?
-Nah.

You can become a good personal secretary,

and I have a feeling
you will want to prove that after today.

You move quickly,

but I think you can move even quicker.

I have a lot to learn from you.

Who knows. Maybe I can learn
something from you as well.

No, I doubt it.

[chuckles] Perhaps how to tie
a tie properly.

-Yes.
-What's wrong with my tie?

It's too wide.

It's too loose and too wide.
It's like a granddad's tie.

So what's that, eh?

This is a Windsor knot.
A very tight Windsor.

Sometimes it's a four-in-hand.

I have no idea what you're talking about.
Absolutely no one cares about my tie.

Yeah.

I could be wearing the tie
of a gas station attendant,

and nobody would notice it.

-Wanna bet?
-Yeah.

Five hundred kroner.

On Monday I'll have done
something completely hideous with my tie.

-Er…
-No one will notice it.

And I think they will.

-[both] Five hundred kroner.
-[murmurs]

[dog barking]

[door closes]

[phone chimes]

From: Asger Holm Kirkegaard
Ready to negotiate. I sent you an email.

Caption - Today we start
oil negotiations with Greenland

[Oliver] A bar?

No, thanks. I don't like them.
Taste like sawdust.

Remember to tag Hans Eliassen
and their government.

Tag what?

-Yeah. Shall I…? Shall I do it?
-Mm-hmm.

I can show you. Like that.

-Mm-hmm.
-And here.

It's done.

Well, the American ambassador has asked
for a meeting as quickly as possible.

Oh, so now he'd like to talk to me.

[Rasmus] Yes, after you've told the world

that the Chinese
are drilling for oil in Greenland.

And CNN, The Washington Post
and The Guardian

have picked up the story as well.

Er, Channel 2 has found out
that your son was part

of hijacking the pig transporter.

I'll send you a link.

[phone chimes]

NYBORG'S SON COULD GO TO JAIL

[Oliver] It's not a big story yet,

but maybe we should try to postpone
negotiations with Greenland?

No. What are you thinking?

He can deal with that himself.
I'm at work.

[Rasmus] Birgitte, mind your tone.

I know.

Can the three of us make a deal
that if you feel that I'm…

[making explosive sound]
…then you give me a heads-up?

-That's a deal.
-Thanks.

Christ, that tie is ugly.

-[door closes]
-It's hideous.

But nobody pays any attention.
You owe me 500.

You can just wire it
to me straight away.

[Birgitte] Rasmus, by the way…

Er, that tie. Take it off.

Hi.

Hi.

Hi.

-[man] Hi.
-[Asger] Good to meet you.

Was the flight okay?

Yes, it was.

-Is all good?
-Yes.

[approaching footsteps]

[Birgitte] Yes.

Sorry. The international press
is quite interested in China.

-So is the Greenlandic press.
-Welcome.

-My permanent secretary.
-Lovely to meet you.

Emmy Rasmussen.
Head of the Premier's department.

-Nice to meet you all.
-[Emmy] You too.

-That's lovely.
-Thanks.

-Yeah. Shall we sit down?
-Yes.

-Would you like a sandwich?
-No, thank you.

-No, thanks.
-No, thanks.

They don't look exciting.

I'm really glad you had the opportunity
to come down here.

[Birgitte] Section 10 of the Home Rule Act
states clearly that there needs to be

a negotiation between
the Greenlandic government

and the Danish state

about the division of revenue
from natural resources in Greenland.

-[Hans] Yes, I'd like--
-You'll get time to speak, Hans.

I understand from Asger
that after the block grant is phased out,

you would want
all the revenue for Greenland.

And not to oversimplify this,
but basically we're dividing a cake.

And what you are saying, Hans,
is that you want all the cake.

That's because it's our cake.

Maybe we should take a look
at how big that cake actually is.

Yes. An optimistic estimate
based on current oil prices

is a total value of around
2,000 billion kroner.

That's a big cake.

That's not the revenue,

that's the total value
of the entire field.

And then 80% goes to the oil company.

No, that's not completely true.

The company's share will fall drastically

as soon as their first
investment is recouped.

He means section 17 in the permit.

Well, even a conservative estimate
would give you 1,000 billion,

which is the same
as the current block grant for 250 years,

or giving every single living Greenlander
17.8 million kroner.

Yes, but that is money we need
to secure our independence.

Yes, and then what are you going to do
when you run out of oil?

When the entire world
drives electric cars?

When this deal was made in 2009,

it was decided that Greenland
and Denmark should negotiate

because Greenland wasn't ready
to sever ties with Denmark.

-But we are now.
-Yes, your party, Hans.

Independence isn't
your government's official policy.

[Birgitte] I know that some
in Greenland feel

that Denmark have been
treating you very poorly,

and are fighting to be decolonised,

but I can inform you
that there are members

of the Danish Parliament
who don't agree with that at all,

and I also represent them.

Yes, but we're not teenagers asking
permission to move away from home.

[Hans] We have moved.

You just need to show us that you have
faith in us to take care of ourselves.

But you can't.

[Birgitte] What would happen
if we left tomorrow?

It's no secret that most
of your public administration

is being supplied by Denmark.

But that is the way Denmark
keeps us dependent.

Oh, just stop.

Do I have to mention
how many political scandals

there's been in Greenland
through the years?

Misconduct, nepotism, corruption.

We're getting that under control.

We don't necessarily have to use
Danish solutions

to our Greenlandic problems.

Fine, so let's talk when you have a handle
on the suicide rate,

alcohol abuse and widespread sexual abuse.

Birgitte, I have to say
that today we are talking about oil.

-So maybe we should focus on that.
-Yes, let's do that.

Do you know
who I'm dealing with on your behalf?

The US. Russia. China.

We don't have the same problems
with China as you have.

No, that's because you're so naive, Hans.

You're sitting on an island
the size of Western Europe.

You don't even have as big
a population as the town of Vejle.

What is it you want?

To be an independent Arctic Bahrain?

You'll end up being tossed back and forth
between the Americans and the Chinese.

They will eat you alive!

And they couldn't care less
that you're an Indigenous people.

We have self-government.

Thanks to a law passed
by the Danish Parliament.

And ultimately that law can be changed.

This is completely unacceptable.

Well.

[Asger] Yeah.

I was just trying to
open their eyes to reality.

That time you were a bit too…

I was unequivocal. That's different.

[Rasmus] I really think
you should get a special adviser.

[Rasmus] Birgitte?

Okay, if I can get my minister
to apologise to your minister,

what would your minister say?

Certainly not sorry.

That was completely uncalled for.

Yeah.

Yeah.

But I have to say,
what your side is bringing--

Stop it. Don't do that.

Please don't do
your civil servant routine on me.

Okay.

Shall we grab something to eat?

Don't do that either.

Okay.

Then I just think that my options
are starting to dwindle a bit.

I really like you.

Do you know what you could learn from us?

To delay gratification.

To do without.

We are rather good at it.

Hey. Hey.

[Narciza] But then Nyborg
suddenly changed her policy

as the government as a whole

decided to be in favour
of exploiting the oil in Greenland.

This has led to increasing disagreement
within both the party's

members of Parliament
and the rank and file of the party.

And now even constituency chairmen
are speaking out

and expressing
their displeasure with Nyborg.

And one of them is you.
Agnete Brix, welcome.

You have been a member
of the New Democrats from the beginning.

What do you feel is the problem
with Nyborg's line?

[Agnete] I think that many feel
the special thing about Birgitte Nyborg

is the fact that she has never become
out of touch with her voters.

But I think her latest statements
contrast sharply with that.

And I'm certainly not alone
with that opinion.

No individual is greater than the party.

-[knock on door]
-If the chairman starts to express

points of view which are not shared
by the party,

I honestly think that the chairman
needs to take a hard look in the mirror.

Guess I'm not that popular at the moment.

No. I still kind of like you though.

What are your plans, Asger?

Er… I have to go home and prepare.

We have quite a few fires
we need to put out.

Because I need to talk
to my Arctic ambassador

about a new negotiating mandate
in regard to Greenland.

And I haven't eaten a thing since
this morning except for this apple thingy.

Want to join me for dinner?

Yeah. So just you and me?

Yes, and something to eat. Right?

Yep. Yeah, yeah.

And no talk about
the bickering in my party, okay?

Of course.

[door opens]

[Katrine] Narciza?

-[door closes]
-Well done.

Er, "well done"?

Yeah, it was a good show.

And a really good live interview
with the chairman. It was on point.

So you stuck around to… praise me
for a completely average interview

with a party chairman from Holstebro?

I'd like to apologise.

Okay.

And suggest that we… move on.

[scoffs]

I really think what you did
was out of line.

And you have every right
to your opinion, but, er…

but, erm, at the end of the day
I'm the boss, right?

And that's it?

-[door shuts]
-Yeah, that's the way it is.

Yes.

That's the way it is.

So we've moved on?

Absolutely.

And of course they get hold
of Agnete Brix from Holstebro

to stand up and rattle on
about my lack of appeal.

-I mean…
-[jazz playing in background]

Well, that disappeared quickly.

And everybody in the party knows
that she has had a crush on Jon for years.

-Jon?
-Yes.

-But isn't he…?
-Yes.

And why does she mention Jon?
Where do you think he was elected?

-Holstebro.
-[laughs] Hey!

Do you think Jon will challenge you?

Jon? No.

I made him.

No, no, no.
He doesn't have that kind of ambition.

-Jon is such a nice boy, right?
-Hm.

He's a family man.

He has two straight-A girls

and lives in
an eco-friendly house with Brian.

And then you can't be a party leader.

No. You have to be ready
to make some very tough choices

if you want to remain
in this kind of job, erm…

Becoming prime minister cost me my…

my marriage and my family.

Would you have done it all again if you

-had known what it would cost you?
-Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

Is it easier for you
now that you're alone?

Yeah, of course it is.

Not allowed to say that,
but of course it is. It's true.

We're never going to get a normal life.

Are we?

Huh?

We come home far too late,
we get up far too early,

and we let down
far too many people we love.

But some people are just made to work

and love it more than anything else.

Wouldn't you rather vote
for someone who works hard

than someone who picks
their kids up at four?

Yeah, but… it's also a bit sad, right?

But it's who we are.

-Right?
-[Asger] Ehh.

'Cause I think you're like that as well.

[waiter] Excuse me,
shall I take your plates?

[laughs] Oh, sorry.
You haven't even started yet.

No, it's fine. Just take it. Thank you.

That was delicious.

Well, where were we?

We were talking about my boss who, erm,

bombed our relationship with Greenland
back to colonial times this afternoon.

Which is why I have a diplomatic task
of tremendous proportions

when I meet with Hans
tomorrow morning at eight o'clock

to go through the 74-page
concession agreement which, by the way,

I have to swing by the ministry
to pick up,

so I'd probably better
get going, Birgitte.

-Go home and work! Yeah.
-Yeah.

I'll wait for the bill.

-It was fun.
-See you tomorrow.

-You will.
-Yeah.

[emotional instrumental music playing]

Hi.

[woman] We're almost done.

Very good.

-[woman] Nearly there.
-Really?

Cool. Let me see.

DAD

Tweet: Power-hungry bitch!
@KatrineFønsmark

[door opens, shuts]

Tweet: Poor @Narciza_Aydin
She has a lot of fans.

Tweet: Can @TV1News afford to fire her?

Did you know that people
on the internet are crazy?

-Mm-hmm.
-[phone dings]

And they can't spell either.

[phone dings]

-[phone thuds]
-Hey!

[Emmy sighs]

So we can't discuss this week's
political events

without mentioning Birgitte Nyborg.

It has been quite a rollercoaster ride
for the government in the media.

How has the mood been
in the New Democrats?

It is really strained, to tell the truth.

[Youssef] Within a few days

there was almost a vote
of no confidence against Nyborg,

and then she does a U-turn
on the party line on climate policy

without her constituency on board.

[interviewer] Yes, but can Birgitte Nyborg
still rectify this?

[Youssef] It would probably
have been better

if she'd chosen to step down
with a bit of honour left.

Then she would also have time
to take care of her activist son

who seems to be in trouble
with that pig transporter.

So even though she came up
with a poor explanation

about the Chinese
and has survived in principle,

she has suffered a serious loss
to her personal reputation.

[Michael] Listen, you're standing here
and talking

as if the only honourable thing
to do is to resign.

Far too many people
have resigned too early

because they've said something wrong.

It's ridiculous.

You have to stay and fight.

[retching]

[Michael] I'm not paying taxes
so the Foreign Minister

can step down ahead of time.

[retching]

It has to be the first time

you're defending Birgitte Nyborg,
Michael Laugesen.

[interviewer] Danes want
credible politicians, don't they?

[Michael] They don't.
That's just something you say

because it sounds nice.

We actually want politicians
who have an incredible will to survive.

You have to be a predator to remain
at the top of Danish politics.

-[sharp exhale]
-[phone rings]

Who do we respect for, huh?

[ringing continues]

The ones who are lying
in the ring bleeding

while the ref is counting over their body,

but who then get up
and keep on fighting in the next round.

For the real political leaders,
it is a battle from start to finish.

And it's the fight for power.

We are so afraid and easily offended
when we talk about power in this country.

But a politician has to fight for power.

Because she has something
she is fighting for and she believes in.

[ringing continues]

And I have to tell you without having
the slightest bad taste in my mouth…

MAGNUS - MISSED CALL

…that for some of us,

the power is more important
than the cause.

[line ringing]

[phone vibrating]

Laugesen.

Birgitte Nyborg.

I was wondering if you would like to meet?

[thunder rumbling]

[propulsive string music playing]

[sighs]

[exhales]

[string music swelling]

Subtitle translation by:
Helle Kaiser-Nielsen