Denmark's Social Democrats have proposed a major education reform targeting younger students, a move business leaders say could reshape the future workforce. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen launched the 'Lilleskolen' (Small School) proposal at Kastrup School, flanked by Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen and Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye. The core policy mandates a maximum of 14 children per class in the early school years (indskolingen). Opposition parties have immediately labeled it 'election year candy,' while experts point to severe teacher shortages as a primary obstacle to implementation. The government estimates the full plan will require an annual investment of 1.6 billion kroner once fully implemented.
Budget and Economic Trade-Offs
Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen presented the fiscal framework, stating the investment is necessary for long-term economic competitiveness. 'This is about ensuring all children get a solid academic foundation, which is the bedrock of a skilled labor force,' Wammen said. The 1.6 billion kroner price tag will be a key point of negotiation in future budget discussions. Business organizations like the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) have long argued that improving core skills in math and Danish is crucial for productivity. The proposal represents a significant reallocation of resources back into the public sector, following years of austerity in some areas.
Business Community Reaction
The Copenhagen Chamber of Commerce offered a cautious initial response. 'We welcome any initiative that strengthens foundational skills, as businesses are desperate for a workforce with strong competencies in literacy and numeracy,' a chamber spokesperson said. However, they noted that the success of the plan hinges on execution and teacher availability. The Danish economy faces a structural shortage of skilled labor, and many CEOs view the primary school system as the starting point for talent development. A better-educated population, the argument goes, leads to higher innovation capacity in sectors like renewable energy and cleantech, where Denmark holds export advantages.
A Decade of Policy Reversal
The 'Lilleskolen' plan is the latest shift in a decade of volatile school policy. In 2014, a major school reform spearheaded by the then-Social Democratic government led by Helle Thorning-Schmidt took effect. That reform, agreed upon with multiple parties including the Liberals and the Danish People's Party, introduced longer school days, more physical activity, mandatory homework assistance, and greater inclusion of challenged students. Its goals were to challenge all students, reduce the impact of socioeconomic background on results, and increase well-being. Subsequent evaluations have shown the reform failed to significantly improve either academic performance or student well-being.
The 2024 Agreement and Local Control
Earlier this year, Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye struck a new school agreement with a broad party bloc, including the Liberal Alliance, the Conservatives, the Social Liberals, and the Danish People's Party. That deal, featuring 33 initiatives, aimed to decentralize control, giving more power to local schools. It shortened school days for the youngest children and removed many of the mandatory elements from the 2014 reform, like compulsory physical activity and homework help. Funds were directed towards more subject-specific classrooms, physical books, and support for children struggling in Danish and math. The new 'Lilleskolen' proposal builds on this by specifically targeting class size in the earliest grades.
The Implementation Hurdle: Teacher Shortages
The most immediate criticism of the plan isn't its cost, but its feasibility. 'You cannot just wish smaller classes into existence. We lack the teachers,' stated the head of the Danish Union of Teachers. Major municipalities like Copenhagen and Aarhus already struggle to fill teaching positions. Holbæk Mayor Christina Krzyrosiak Hansen, who attended the launch, acknowledged the challenge but called it a necessary goal. To work, the plan would require a parallel strategy to attract and retain more teachers, potentially involving higher wages or improved working conditions—factors that would further increase the total cost beyond the stated 1.6 billion kroner.
Political Battle and Election Context
The proposal lands in an election year atmosphere. Opposition parties from both the left and right have dismissed it as an unrealizable promise. 'This is pure election year candy. The government has had years to address class sizes and teacher shortages, and now they present this right before an election,' said a spokesperson for the Liberal Party. The Social Democrats will need to secure parliamentary support beyond their current government allies to pass the legislation, making it a central piece of their campaign platform. The debate will force other parties to present their own visions for the primary school system.
Looking to the Øresund Model
Some analysts suggest Denmark might look to the broader Øresund region for inspiration. While not directly comparable, variations in class size and educational approach exist across Scandinavian borders. The Danish proposal firmly places the focus on the early years of education, betting that intensive investment at the start yields greater long-term dividends in educational outcomes and, ultimately, economic contribution. The question for the business community is whether this investment will translate into a more competent future workforce capable of driving growth in Copenhagen's service economy, Jutland's industrial hubs, and the nation's leading export sectors. Will 'Lilleskolen' be remembered as a pivotal reform or an expensive political promise?