Denmark votes in an early election that follows a crisis over US designs on Greenland
The general election in Denmark took place on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen vying for a third term in office. The election comes after a high-profile standoff with former U.S. President Donald Trump over the future of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark.
Over 4.3 million eligible voters participated in the election for the new Folketing, Denmark’s parliament, which is elected for a four-year term. Frederiksen called for the election early, hoping to leverage her firm stance on the Greenland issue to garner support from voters in the EU and NATO member country.
During her second term, Frederiksen faced declining support due to rising living costs, pensions, and the prospect of a wealth tax, all of which have been central campaign issues. The 48-year-old Social Democrat is known for her strong support of Ukraine against Russian aggression and her strict approach to migration, continuing a long-standing tradition in Danish politics.
In response to pressure from the right and concerns about increased migration due to the conflict in Iran, Frederiksen proposed measures such as an “emergency brake” on asylum and tighter controls on criminal immigrants. Her government also introduced a plan to deport foreigners convicted of serious crimes.
Two center-right challengers are aiming to unseat Frederiksen as prime minister. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen of the Liberal Party and Alex Vanopslagh of the Liberal Alliance are both vying for the top position. However, Vanopslagh’s admission of past cocaine use may have impacted his chances in the election.
The anti-immigration Danish People’s Party is expected to make a comeback after a weak showing in the previous election. With no single party likely to win a majority, coalition governments are common in Denmark, typically formed from either the left or right bloc after negotiations.
Frederiksen’s outgoing administration, which included parties from both sides of the political spectrum, may pave the way for a similar coalition government. The Moderate party, led by Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, could play a crucial role in forming the next government.
Despite the recent tensions over Greenland, the issue did not feature prominently in the election campaign, as there is broad agreement on its status within the kingdom. Talks between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland on Arctic security have commenced following Trump’s decision to back down on imposing tariffs.
Denmark’s parliament consists of 179 seats, with representatives from Greenland and the Faroe Islands also holding seats. The election results will determine the makeup of the new government and set the course for Denmark’s future direction.
