What Is Borgerforslag and How Can Citizens Propose Laws?

What is Borgerforslag?

Introduced in January 2018, Borgerforslag allows citizens to directly influence the legislative process in Denmark. This initiative aims to democratize the legislative process by enabling citizens to express their desires for change directly to the Danish Parliament (Folketinget).

How does it work?

The process for submitting a Borgerforslag involves several steps:

Proposal Submission: Citizens can submit proposals through the official website, borgerforslag.dk. The main proposer must be a Danish citizen with voting rights and gather at least three co-proposers.
Approval Process: The Folketinget’s administration reviews the proposal within ten working days to ensure compliance with legal standards. If approved, the proposal is published for public support.
Support Collection: The proposal must gather 50,000 signatures from eligible voters within 180 days to be considered by the Parliament.
Parliamentary Consideration: If the proposal meets the signature requirement, it is presented in the Folketinget, where it undergoes the same legislative process as other proposals.

Common rules or requirements

Requirement	Details
Submission	Must be submitted by a Danish citizen with voting rights.
Co-proposers	Requires at least three co-proposers.
Signatures	Needs to gather 50,000 signatures within 180 days.

Example

For instance, a recent proposal aimed to reform immigration policy, advocating for the protection of foreign healthcare professionals from automatic deportation while their applications are processed. This reflects the system’s capacity to address contemporary societal issues.

Quick Tips for Expats

Familiarize yourself with the Borgerforslag process to engage in local governance.
Consider joining community groups to collaborate on proposals that matter to you.