Denmark breathes sigh of relief

By Paul Sussman, CNN.com writer

Hours after the Danes snubbed the euro, the hot debate was fading from the memory.

On a gloriously warm, sunny day in central Copenhagen, people were more preoccupied with eating ice cream and topping up the tan than macro-economic strategy.

There was a demonstration in the Radhuspladsen (Town Hall Square), with lots of banner waving and chanting. It was, however, in support of the city's youth workers, and nothing to do with the single currency.

"Like most people I'm just glad the whole thing's over," admits decorator Bjarne Sigmundsen, 23. "I voted yes, but I don't really care that the nos won. It's much too nice a day to get worked up about it."

IN DEPTH Denmark says no Changing face of Europe

But there are people who are still on a high, or a low, after Thursday night's result. Taxi driver Asger Stern, was knocking off early so he could celebrate with friends.

"I got very drunk last night and I'm going to do exactly the same tonight. A no is a fabulous result for Denmark."

Psychology student Lisbet Rasmussen, on the other hand, remained despondent.

"I'm feeling pretty depressed. I just don't see what the problem is about having closer links with the rest of Europe."

The vast majority, of Danes, however, now appear supremely untroubled by the whole issue.

"I voted yes," says Premilla Rajani, 30, "But I don't feel unhappy. We'll just see where we go from here. I don't feel that anything disastrous has happened."

Postman Jen Petersen, 44, agrees: "I don't really feel anything at all. I didn't particularly want either side to win, and so in the end I didn't vote. Today's just a normal day so far as I'm concerned."

The only really palpable emotion would seem to be one of relief that the whole thing is over, like a marathon race.

The politicians might still be talking about it, but to the people on the streets of Copenhagen at least the referendum is already history.

"The whole things just feels distant," says stall owner Ras Bushman, 40. "Maybe in a few weeks there will be some clear effect, but until then its business as usual. Life goes on exactly the same as before."

Europe weighs up Danish no vote
September 29, 2000
Agony and ecstasy in Copenhagen
September 29, 2000
Vote could signal start of two-tier Europe
September 28, 2000
Leaders play down impact of result
September 28, 2000

CNN.dk

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