Danish Minister for Culture (Kulturministeren) Jakob Engel-Schmidt announced the cancellation of a planned meat-free day at his ministry following a new act of vandalism targeting a butcher’s shop in Amager, Copenhagen. The move comes amid growing tensions around vegan activism and its impact on local businesses.
Another incident targets Amager butcher
The latest incident occurred at the well-known local shop Slagterens Smørrebrød og Delikatesse, which was vandalised with graffiti by individuals the minister described as “criminal vegans”. This follows several previous attacks on butchers in the area, which have fuelled public debate in Denmark around the methods used by radical activists to promote plant-based lifestyles.
Engel-Schmidt responded by fulfilling a prior promise: to eliminate one meat-free day at the Ministry of Culture every time such an attack occurs. “Last night, criminal vegans once again attacked the butcher in Amager. This time with graffiti. As promised, I am now removing a meat-free day at the Ministry of Culture—even if it means I have to buy the meatballs myself,” he wrote on Facebook.
Meat-free policies under scrutiny
The symbolic gesture has stirred controversy, with critics accusing the Minister of fuelling a polarising narrative instead of promoting dialogue. Supporters argue that repeated acts of vandalism against small businesses must not be ignored, and that public institutions should not appear to reward aggressive activism.
Meat-free days have been introduced in various ministries and public institutions across Denmark and other Nordic countries as part of sustainability efforts. However, they have also become a flashpoint in wider debates on climate policy, food culture, and freedom of choice.
A broader cultural divide
The situation in Amager reflects broader tensions in Danish society regarding food ethics, environmental responsibility, and protest tactics. While most Danes support environmental initiatives, there is increasing resistance to what some perceive as moralising approaches.
The police are investigating the incident, but no suspects have been apprehended so far. Meanwhile, the butcher at the centre of the controversy has resumed normal operations, with community members showing their support in response to the vandalism.
The Ministry has not announced whether further changes to its food policies are planned.
