Why it matters: The mayor of Copenhagen is threatening to shut down the open drug trade of cannabis and other soft drugs in the autonomous region of Christiania if violence continues to increase.
What they are saying: The violence and crime around Pusher Street in Christiania has reached an unacceptable level for the Mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, who warned that if those living in the Christiania commune do not comply with her plan, the tradings of drugs will be shut down. The violence in Christiania has resulted in a shooting in October 2022, which raised concerns that the situation could develop into gang warfare.
The big picture: Christiania has long been recognized as the nation’s “Green Light” district since the 1970s, with its open tolerance towards soft drugs and cannabis, but organized crime is quickly overshadowing its’ reputation, and as a result. Andersen believes the drug trade needs to be shut down if it is not replaced with something more positive. Christiania is currently under the control of the Foundation Fristaden Christiania, and housing and social affairs are managed by the Housing and Social Affairs Agency.
What to watch: A joint dialogue is expected between the Foundation Fristaden Christiania, Copenhagen Municipality, Copenhagen Police, the Housing and Social Affairs Agency, and the Castles and Culture Agency to discuss the future of Christiania and its role in the community.
Takeaway: Although Christiania has long been recognized for its openness towards soft drugs and cannabis, violence has reached an unacceptable level, and Andersen has threatened to shut down drug trading if things do not change. While the dialogue between the Foundation Fristaden Christiania and Copenhagen Municipality will determine the future of the autonomous region, a possible replacement for the drug trade will need to be discussed in its place.
