Copenhagen’s Social Democrats have launched one of the most striking promises of the municipal campaign: making all daycare institutions in the capital free of charge. The proposal, presented by mayoral candidate Pernille Rosenkrantz-Theil (S), is estimated to cost around 800 million kroner per year (€107 million) and has already become the central theme ahead of the election on 18 November.
High living costs and pressure on families
Rosenkrantz-Theil argues that living expenses in Copenhagen are exceptionally high, particularly for young families. At a time when parents earn less than later in their careers, they also face high housing costs and additional expenses for small children.
Current monthly fees range from 2,317 kroner (€310) without meals to 4,708 kroner (€630) with meals, depending on age. Low-income families already benefit from subsidies: households earning up to 208,100 kroner annually qualify for free places, while others receive partial support.
The Social Democrats’ plan would extend free access to all, which Rosenkrantz-Theil describes as a way to ease financial strain and reduce staff shortages, since educators often cannot afford to live in the capital.
Financing through cuts and penalties
The party suggests financing the reform by cutting back on municipal administration and by quadrupling fines for companies that breach contracts with the municipality. Rosenkrantz-Theil has declined to specify how many administrative jobs might be cut, stating that she prefers to negotiate with other parties before committing to figures.
Critics note that successive administrations have already sought administrative savings, making the prospect of finding hundreds of millions of kroner each year uncertain. The candidate maintains that the city’s budget of more than 50 billion kroner can accommodate the reform, provided political will is present.
Credibility at stake in election campaign
Observers see the proposal as a calculated attempt to seize control of the campaign narrative. Political analyst Noa Redington described the move as a way for Rosenkrantz-Theil to ensure that “Copenhageners are talking about her,” but warned that credibility could suffer if promises appear unrealistic.
He pointed out that Rosenkrantz-Theil has previously floated eye-catching ideas, such as having educators pick up children by cargo bike, which risked eroding trust among voters. Local experts also highlight that no Danish municipality has ever offered fully free daycare, underlining the scale of the pledge.
Possible effects on housing and inequality
Experts caution that making daycare free could intensify competition for housing in Copenhagen. Families may be attracted to the city, pushing demand and potentially increasing property prices. Critics add that the policy would largely benefit the middle class, since the poorest families already receive free or heavily subsidised places.
Municipal researcher Roger Buch noted that “the big winners would not be the poor, but the middle class,” since they currently pay full fees. Rosenkrantz-Theil rejects the claim that the plan is unfair, insisting that most families in their thirties, regardless of income, feel significant financial pressure in Copenhagen.
Quality concerns versus affordability
Earlier national surveys have highlighted shortcomings in the quality of daycare institutions, with only nine percent rated as “good.” Some argue that the city’s resources would be better spent on improving standards rather than removing fees.
Rosenkrantz-Theil responded that quality cannot improve without addressing staffing shortages, as many educators leave or avoid the sector due to unaffordable housing costs. In her view, reducing parental fees would indirectly strengthen institutions by making it possible for more staff to remain in the capital.
A decisive issue for November
The Social Democrats are unlikely to achieve a majority alone, meaning that cross-party negotiations after the election will determine the fate of the initiative. Experts describe the plan as “unusual” but not impossible, provided alliances can be built.
For Rosenkrantz-Theil, the pledge represents both her most expensive and most ambitious commitment, one that could either reinforce the party’s century-long grip on the mayoralty or weaken its credibility if it fails to materialise.
The debate over free daycare is expected to remain central in the weeks ahead, encapsulating broader dilemmas about affordability, equality, and the sustainability of welfare in Copenhagen.
