EuropeBoard

I'm Albert Anker and welcome to the 2021 debate between conservative candidate Mark Magnussen and Green Candidate, Hans Jekup. This debate will be conducted under covid-protection measures, to which both parties agreed. The crowd promised to stay silent with neither clapping, laughing or any other noises except now, as we will welcome incumbent Mark Magnussen and mayor of Erikshavn, Hans Jekup!

Good evening to both of you. This debate will cover several major topics. Every candidate will receive two minutes and two minutes only for their answer. After that, the microphone of the other candidate will be turned off, so that both candidates will be able to answer clearly and without interruptions. And with that, the debate begins with the first topic: The Covid-pandemic.

Mr. Magnussen, the first question goes to you. The nation is currently heading into a new wave. more than 100,000 cases currently and hundreds of deaths. How are your plans to lead the country through this crisis? two minutes, please.

M: Thank you very much and good evening to you too. In my opinion, we're doing a good job at keeping the infections low. If you look at other countries in Europe, You will notice a much higher infection and death rate per 100,000 people. Our vaccine-management too is in very good hands with the provinces.

Thank you very much, now it's Jekup's turn

J: I disagree with Magnussen's statement here. Our infection-rate may isn't as high as in comparison with other countries like Spain or Italy, but we definitely lose in comparison with countries in Scandinavia like Norway or Finland. We also go very slowly with the vaccinations. With me as prime minister, I ensure the population that I will strongly lead this country through this pandemic.

From what I understand Jekup, you heavily disagree with the handling of the Pandemic by Magnussen?

J: I definitely do

Now the next topic: Since the last election, there has been a rise in climate activists and the concern of climate change and environment. What is your plan to face those problems?

M: I plan to introduce a bill which will prohibit the deforestation of rare forest wood. I also plan to reduce the carbon emission produced by cars by promoting the alternative to electric cars.

Jekup's turn?

J: I mostly agree with Magnussen here. Though, I would go further and introduce a carbon tax on big companies like fracking or car companies.

We see a higher inequality between the low and high-incomers and apartments that are becoming increasingly expensive. Plus, the countryside of the nation becomes less and less populated, as more people move into the big cities. What's your plan to solve all this problems?

M: I plan to make a higher tax on the wealthy people in this country. Plus, I will also motivate the people to move into the countryside to show them, what it offers

J: The idea in itself is good, though not quite thought through. With a majority in parliament, I will try to pass a Land Value Tax to not only stop the high housing prices, but with that also reduce taxes of the middle class. As the land on the countryside isn't as expensive as in the urban areas, the people will move more out in the rural areas

I thank you both very much to have participated in this debate. I wish you a good evening.

M: Thank you

J: Thank you