Denmark Relishes the Support From Its Nordic Brothers

As Finland cracks down on its cartoonists — entering the cartoon controversy by showing as much fortitude as it did in Soviet days — and as Swedes (don't) mark the anniversary of the assassination of Olof Palme, Ivar Ekman reports that

Despite the strong historical and cultural links the countries share - and their centuries of close cooperation, known here as "Nordism" - Sweden and Norway have carefully chosen to distance themselves from the conflict engulfing Denmark.

This, some politicians now say, means that even the pretense of a special relationship between the Nordic countries should be given up.

"Nordism is bankrupt," Carl Hamilton, a member of Parliament for the Swedish Liberal Party, said in a telephone interview. Hamilton said he was "ashamed" of how the Swedish government had handled the crisis, adding: "As soon as it faces a real conflict, poof! - the solidarity is gone."

…Aftonbladet, the biggest Swedish newspaper, recently published an editorial describing Denmark as "the most prejudiced, bigoted and narrow- minded country in Western Europe." [France's largest national daily has been just as courageous.]

In Denmark, none of this has gone unnoticed, and commentators say that it has fueled resentment.

"This has made an already tense relationship, especially with Sweden, even sharper," said Erik Meier Carlsen, an editorial writer with the Danish newspaper BT. Carlsen said that many Danes felt Swedish criticism over Danish immigration policy had become unreasonable and aggressive, and that Persson's statements were generally viewed as "very arrogant."

"There have always been differences of opinion between Sweden and Denmark," he said in an interview, "but before it was generally good-humored. Now it is getting much more nasty, and that's something new."

Danish and Swedish critics of the Swedish government approach are drawing parallels to another perceived betrayal - when Sweden failed to support Denmark during a war with Prussia and Austria in 1864. Even convinced "Nordists" are beginning to show despair.

In my book, I write that Sweden has been prompt to wag its finger at the American democracy; during World War II, it was less eager to lecture to Nazi Germany.

"I think we could see a renaissance for Palme," said Gustav Fridolin, a 22- year-old political wunderkind who represents the Green Party in the Swedish Parliament. "I think young people today have a great engagement in international politics, in global justice, and in that Sweden again should have a active role in this struggle."