Newspapers nearly write off Thorning-Schmidt

Danish dailies agree that the Socialdemokratiet leader and candidate for prime minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, is severely hamstrung.

Yesterday, she had to admit to giving contradictory information to tax authorities and the Ministry of Justice regarding her British husband's tax situation and how many days a year he spent in the couple's terraced house in Østerbro, Copenhagen.

B.T.: return to lightweight image
daily newspaper B.T. writes that Helle Thorning-Schmidt these days is regressing to the lightweight image that plagued her when she took over as Socialdemokratiet leader.

- When she gives divergent explanations to authorities regarding her husband, Steven Kinnock's presence in Denmark, she is jeopardizing her dream of taking over as prime minister.

Even if this is "only" a matter of a "careless mistake", which Helle Thorning-Schmidt stated on Thursday, it is a serious matter when a candidate for the Prime Minister's Office hasn't got her facts straight, writes B.T.

Berlingske: Who would entrust the nation to Thorning
Berlingske Tidende writes that Helle Thorning-Schmidt has a serious credibility problem - and possibly also a legal problem since she has given false information to the Ministry of Justice.

- Who would entrust the nation to a politician who has such an alternative relationship with the truth in her private life? writes the newspaper.

Information: catastrophic mistake
Daily newspaper Information writes that "careless mistake" is an understatement of the mess Helle Thorning-Schmidt finds herself in. She has committed a mistake of catastrophic proportions, which may make it difficult for her to stay on as party leader.

- What's clear is that she is tremendously weakened as party leader - despite the declarations of solidarity which her allies have felt obliged to issue, writes Information.

Jyllands-Posten: cynical and calculating
Jyllands-Posten writes that Helle Thorning-Schmidt's actions in the tax case reveals a cynical and calculating personality - hardly a surprise to those who have followed Thorning-Schmidt's political career.

- While it is still a mystery what Helle Thorning-Schmidt actually stands for, it is apparent that it is neither care for marginalized groups nor the ideal of a fair society which fuels her fire, but solely the wish to get ahead personally, says Jyllands-Posten's editorial.