Denmark Extends Ministerial Accountability Prosecution Limit to Six Years

New Agreement Bolsters Ministerial Oversight

Copenhagen, Denmark – On November 25, 2025, the Danish government, in collaboration with the Socialist People's Party (SF), announced an agreement to extend the statute of limitations for ministerial accountability from five to six years. This significant legislative adjustment is designed to enhance the thoroughness and fairness of investigations into potential misconduct by government ministers.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard confirmed the adjustment, stating that its primary goal is to afford the Parliament more time to effectively process cases of ministerial misconduct. The extension seeks to prevent situations where complex investigations are hampered by impending deadlines, thereby strengthening the framework of accountability within the Danish political system.

Addressing Past Challenges in High-Profile Cases

The decision to extend the prosecution limit stems from lessons learned during several high-profile political cases that exposed limitations in the previous five-year period. According to SF's legal spokesperson, Karina Lorentzen, recent inquiries highlighted the necessity for additional time to ensure comprehensive investigations.

Notable cases that experienced time pressure under the former rules include the 'Instrukskommission' case involving former minister Inger Støjberg and the investigation into the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE). The issue of ministerial accountability also gained prominence during the Danish mink scandal, where deleted text messages connected to the case underscored the challenges posed by a shorter limitation period. Investigators in these instances often faced pressure to adjust schedules or delay deadlines to avoid the expiration of cases.

New Provisions for Commission-Led Investigations

Beyond the general extension, the amendment introduces a crucial new rule concerning investigations conducted by commissions. Under this provision, if an issue is being investigated by a commission, the statute of limitations will not expire until at least six months after the commission has released its final report. However, it is stipulated that the case must still be within the original limitation period when the commission is initially established.

This addition aims to provide a more robust legal framework for complex inquiries, ensuring that parliamentary bodies and investigative commissions have adequate time to complete their work without undue haste. The government's position emphasizes that this adjustment is not intended to reopen past political disputes but rather to prevent similar legal obstacles in the future, thereby reinforcing accountability while upholding a fair process for all parties involved.

Context of Ministerial Responsibility in Denmark

In Denmark, ministers are held accountable for their actions and the operations within their respective ministries. This legal accountability is primarily outlined in the Ministerial Accountability Act. The Danish Parliament possesses various mechanisms to ensure ministerial oversight, including the power to issue warnings or even pass votes of no confidence. The extension of the statute of limitations is seen as a further step in refining these accountability measures, ensuring that the legal system can adequately address instances of ministerial misconduct.