When Mette Vennegaard, a retired psychologist living in the north of Copenhagen, wanted to erase her pantry from all North -Americans, wrote the largest manufacturer of Denmark candy and chocolate, to ask -where the company obtained her almonds for her popular Marzipan products.
Marzipan, a sweet paste made of ground almonds, is a popular chocolate stuffing and a key ingredient in some of Denmark’s most beloved desserts.
When the company replied that its supply came from California, which produces 80 percent of the almonds of the world, Vennegaard put the product on its list of « non -buy ».
Then he went even further, publishing the company’s letter in a Facebook group, instantly to other Danish to make clear.
« Investigate the property of all types of different products, » he told CBC News. « If they are Americans, they don’t go to the shopping basket. »
Boycott -us products
Vennegaard is part of a growing group of Danish trying Cut or reduce the number of north -american products and services They use: a protest against the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and specifically what seems to be his obsessive determination to be in charge of Greenland, an autonomous territory that is part of the kingdom of Denmark.
Tens of thousands of Danish have joined Facebook group Dedicated to sharing tips on how to avoid products made with the United States and instead of buying premises.
People publish about canceling their trips to the United States or their subscriptions to the North -American Streaming services.
Others seek shopping tips, such as a woman who wanted to know if a mayonnaise -like seasoning was made in the United States, and if so, what would be a suitable substitute.
Although the boycott group is a basic movement, political experts say it is used in the current mood in Denmark, where the population of almost six million feels alienated and even threatened by messaging from the United States, a country that has previously considered one of its strongest allies.
Trump has repeatedly committed to Annex of Greenland rich in mineralsPromising to their 56,000 residents that Washington could make them rich. In his marathon speech in the United States Congress earlier this month, the President said that the United States would achieve it « One way or another. »
United States Delegation Scales the journey in the midst of protests
USHA VANCE, the wife of the US Vice President JD Vance, You were supposed to visit Greenland this week To take cultural places and a dog race, but after the region’s officials called « provocation », the trip itinerary was climbed again.
VANCE, to whom her husband will now join her, will only visit the Pitffi Space BaseA remote North -American military installation in the north -Greenland that manages the defense of missiles and space surveillance.
While Greenland and Denmark officials see the change of the itinerary as a victory, there is still a deep concern about what Trump has said and what he might be trying to do.
With the President of the United States, Donald Trump, threatening to take care of Greenland, the country’s Prime Minister has called a visit by a North -American delegation as a provocation and very aggressive. Travel Americans include national security advisor Mike Waltz and Usha Vance, the wife of the Vice President.
« I am boycotting products in the way Trump goes, including its aggressive treatment in Ukraine … and threats to annexed Greenland, » said Vennegaard.
« My grandchildren have been told that for the next four years, there will be no more coca-cola, pringles, American chocolate bars and visits to McDonald’s. »
Vennegaard joined the boycott group in February and admits that the use of Facebook, a company based in California, is unfortunate, but it was difficult to replace the scope of the platform.
No more Netflix or California wine
Good Albertus, a school principal who lives outside Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, helped create the group. He insists that this is not about being against the North -Americans, but the government they chose.
He began his boycott in January by canceling his subscriptions to Netflix, Disney, Apple TV, HBO and Amazon Prime. Instead, he joined a local Danish streaming service and excavated his former DVDs.
The California red wine that Albertus served on Friday night has been replaced by bottles of Italy.
He said he could not find an alternative for his favorite barbecue sauce, but he will only have to live without it.
« There is no boycott of 100 percent, » Albertus said in a telephone interview with Denmark. « But we are 92,000 people who choose to do with our money. »
The conscious spending campaign has promoted a renewed interest in Danish and European products.
The largest Denmark supermarket operator, Salling Group, began to mark the labels of all its European products with a black star this month, after having received so many clients consultations on where certain products were made.
In the Facebook group, there are publications that express solidarity with some of Trump’s other goals. A published image, showing the flags of Canada, Greenland and Denmark, says: « Red and white side. »
Trump has repeatedly said that Canada should be the 51st state and his team’s rhetoric for Greenland continues to increase.
Trump reiterated on Wednesday that the United States need the island strategically located for international security.
« I think we will go as far as we have to go, » he told journalists. « We need Greenland and the world needs to have Greenland, including Denmark. »
The pressure on the government is based
Trump, who has been set in Greenland for years, suggested in 2019 during his first term as president that the United States sought to buy the territory.
When Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected this idea as « absurd » “Nasty” and canceled a scheduled visit to the country.
Mikkel Vedby Rasmussen, a professor of Political Science at Copenhagen University, said that, despite the previous Trump comments on Greenland, the Danish government is « more than a little surprised » that things are playing in the way they are, and believes that there is pressure based on government for a tougher position.
« The Danes are patient, but I think it is gradually ending, » Rasmussen said in an interview through zoom.
Denmark has been a large supporter of the United States in the past, and Danish troops fought and died in Afghanistan and Iraq next to the North -American forces.
Rasmussen said that there was a feeling that the United States and Denmark were close allies and that the countries had a mutual understanding of each other.
For many, this notion has been destroyed.
On Thursday, Frederiksen said that while Denmark wants to work with the United States in defense and security, it is clear that « Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland. »
As the pressure is based on government to take a tougher position towards Trump’s administration, Rasmussen said, some Danish citizens do so only through their purchase habits.
Although Rasmussen said he has not yet been able to give up his Pinot Noir in California, he understands why others have.
« We love electric cars in this country but we are not really Buy teslas« He said. » People are trying to make their own foreign policy. The only thing they can really do is talk to -you or choose different products. « »
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