Mogens Glistrup (1926–2008) was a Danish lawyer and politician who founded the Progress Party (Fremskridtspartiet) in 1972. He became a prominent and controversial figure in Danish politics during the latter half of the 20th century, primarily known for his populist platform and opposition to income tax.
Glistrup first gained national attention in 1971 during a television appearance in which he compared tax evaders to sabotaging freedom fighters during the German occupation of Denmark, arguing that avoiding taxes was a patriotic act. In the 1973 general election, known as the "Landslide Election" (Jordskredsvalget), the Progress Party won 28 seats, becoming the second-largest party in the Danish Parliament (Folketing).
His initial political program focused on the total abolition of income tax, the elimination of government bureaucracy, and the simplification of the legal code. He famously suggested replacing the Danish Ministry of Defence with an automated telephone recording that stated "We surrender" in Russian.
In 1983, following a lengthy legal process, Glistrup was sentenced to three years in prison for tax fraud. During the 1980s and 1990s, his political focus shifted significantly toward opposition to immigration and Islam. These stances caused internal friction within the Progress Party, leading to several splits and the eventual formation of the Danish People's Party (Dansk Folkeparti) by former members who sought a more mainstream approach to populist politics. Glistrup remained active in public life until his death in 2008.
