Thomas Bustrup, the deputy chief executive of the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), has been formally charged with drink-driving. The case will go before a court on the island of Bornholm on December 8. The development has sent ripples through Copenhagen's business community, where DI is a central pillar of the corporate landscape.
DI confirmed the charges in a press release. The organization stated Bustrup has received an official reprimand. This is the strongest possible internal disciplinary action. The case is being treated with the utmost seriousness by the organization's leadership.
"Words cannot describe how deeply I regret my actions," Thomas Bustrup said in the statement. "I naturally and unequivocally distance myself in the strongest possible terms from drink-driving. I have therefore taken a number of measures in recent months to ensure the situation will not repeat itself."
Lars Sandahl Sørensen, the CEO of DI, echoed the gravity of the situation. He stated he views the matter with "the greatest seriousness." Consequently, Bustrup received the sharpest possible reprimand. Sørensen added that Bustrup has assured him necessary steps and precautions are being implemented to prevent a recurrence.
Bustrup has sought counseling and guidance following the incident. He also acknowledges the circumstances for which he is charged. Neither top executive wished to comment further on the case.
The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration in Denmark is 0.5 promille. Drivers can still be penalized for drink-driving below this limit if police assess they are too impaired to drive safely. Rules were tightened earlier this year. New drivers who have held a car license for less than three years now face a stricter limit of 0.2 promille.
This incident places a spotlight on corporate governance and personal accountability at the highest levels of Danish industry. DI is Denmark's largest employer and business organization. It represents over 20,000 companies across manufacturing, trade, and services. Its influence on policy in Copenhagen and Brussels is substantial, particularly in areas like renewable energy exports and trade regulations.
Thomas Bustrup is the second-in-command at the influential lobby group. His role involves shaping policy that affects billions in trade and the strategic direction of the Øresund region's economy. A conviction, while a personal legal matter, could impact his standing and the organization's reputation during critical negotiations on green energy and international commerce.
The case is a stark reminder that Danish corporate leaders are held to public account. The court's decision will be watched closely in the business districts of Copenhagen and beyond. It underscores a zero-tolerance culture for traffic offenses, reflecting broader societal values that prioritize safety and responsibility.