Minister of Finance Nicolai Wammen says AU helped build his network, knowledge and character

What is your favourite memory from your student days at Aarhus University?
When I look back on my university days, it’s the time I spent with my fellow students that stands out the most. It was a fantastic time with talented and inspirational people, both academically and socially. There were some great parties, where you could really let your hair down and get to know each other in a different way. But it was also a time when I was able to immerse myself in Danish and international politics. And this is something I’ve benefited from ever since.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?
We were fortunate enough to have several great teachers, but if I had to choose a few, I would say Professor Nina Smith and Professor Mehdi Mozaffari. Two excellent communicators and personalities with something to say and a desire to share it with their students. Nina Smith later became chair of the Reform Commission, which was set up by the previous government. As Minister of Finance, it was a privilege to appoint Nina Smith to head the work of the commission. In a way, our roles are now reversed from when she was my teacher and I was her student. But it has been incredibly exciting to work together – also in our new roles. Something I couldn’t have imagined when I was sitting in the lecture hall and Nina was teaching us economics.

What advice do you wish you had been given as a student?
I wish someone had got hold of me and said: “Everything is going to be okay”. I think a lot of students today walk around wondering whether it’s all going to work out.

What is the most important thing you have taken away from Aarhus University?
Network, knowledge and character. My student days marked the beginning of a lifelong love for Aarhus University.

What are your current interests?
As Minister of Finance, I’m keen to ensure that we take good care of our welfare society, that Denmark stays at the forefront of the fight against climate change, and – of course – that we have a strong and well-functioning economy.

How did it feel to open the Regatta when you were mayor?
It was always a party at the Regatta and, as mayor, it was the highpoint of my year to be able to open the event. Though, I must say, I’m a bit jealous of Jacob Bundsgaard (the current Mayor of Aarhus, ed.), who had the brilliant idea of wearing an old officer’s hat and has been known as “the Captain” ever since. That was clever of him.