Søren Gade Jensen (born 27 January 1963) is a Danish politician who has been Speaker of the Folketing since November 2022, representing the Liberal party, Venstre. He was a Liberal member of the Folketing from 2001 to 2019 and again in 2022. Before entering politics, he was a military officer and businessman. He was formerly a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2022.
He was also CEO of the Danish business organization Landbrug & Fødevarer from 2012 to 2014.
Political career Minister of Defence, 2004–2010 Gade served as Defence Minister from 2004 to 2010, when he replaced Svend Aage Jensby. During his time in office, he led Danish efforts to maintain public support for the deployment of 750 troops in Afghanistan.Alistair MacDonald (February 24, 2010), Wall Street Journal. Gade resigned from his position due to a long time conflict with the media after the publishing of a fake Arabic translation of Thomas Rathsack's book, telling the defence's methods in the Afghan war.
Member of the European Parliament, 2019–2022 Gade was elected to the European Parliament in 2019. A member of the Renew Europe group, he served as chair of the Committee on Fisheries and as member of the Committee on Transport and Tourism. Within the Committee on Transport and Tourism, he was part of the Tourism Task Force (TTF).Composition of the Tourism Task Force (TTF) European Parliament. In 2020, he also joined the Special Committee on Beating Cancer.Members of the Special Committee on Beating Cancer European Parliament, press release of July 9, 2020.
In addition to his committee assignments, Gade was the chair of the Parliament's delegation for relations with India.Søren GADE European Parliament.
Return to national politics
In 2022, following his re-election to the Folketing, a majority of parties supported Gade's candidacy for the position of speaker of the Folketing. Gade was officially confirmed as speaker on 16 November 2022.
Controversy In 2015, the newspaper Jyllands-Posten published a document that it said proved that Gade tried to hide the Danish military's agreement with security company Blackwater whose contractors killed 17 Iraqi civilians and wounded 20 in Baghdad's Nisour Square in 2007.Court orders Denmark to compensate 18 Iraqis over torture Al Jazeera, June 15, 2018.
Other activities European Leadership Network (ELN), Member of the Advisory BoardAdvisory Board European Leadership Network (ELN).
Personal life In January 2008, Gade's wife, Helle Buskbjerg Poulsen, died after years of battling cancer.
Awards and decorations Commander 1st class of the Order of the DannebrogGrand Cross of the Order of the Falcon (Iceland)Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit (Spain)Grand Cordon of the Order of the Nile (Egypt)Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise 2nd class (Ukraine) Homeguard Medal of MeritDefence Medal for Meritorious Service Defence Medal for International Service 1948–2009 Reserve Long Service Medal with 40 years oak leaveHomeguard 25 Years Service Decoration with 40 years oak leave Badge of Honor of the Reserve Officers Association of DenmarkPeace Prize Medal (Denmark)The Nordic Blue Berets Medal of HonourDistinguished Public Service Award (USA)UNTSO Medal for Service in the Middle EastNijmegen Medal 2-4 times
References
External links Biography on the website of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget)