Denmark removes the religious holiday from public holidays to save money

In Denmark’s 179-seat Parliament, lawmakers voted to remove the Great Day of Prayer, which falls on the fourth Friday after Easter, from the public holiday, known as Store Bededag, to save money and increase defense spending.

Despite harsh criticism from the opposition, unions and clergy in parliament, the bill passed with a vote of 95 to 68.

It is estimated that the savings that will be achieved with the abolition of the holiday will be approximately 426 million dollars per year.

Opposition lawmakers called the bill “stupid”, “crazy” and “completely wrong” but were unable to agree to hold a referendum on the issue.

“GOVERNMENT ORDERS PEOPLE TO WORK ANOTHER DAY”

“The government orders people to work one more day,” said Karsten Honge, a member of the Socialist People’s Party. he made the statement.

Many lawmakers expressed concern that lifting the holiday would complicate negotiations over wages and working conditions between employers and unions.