Reuters: Danes began voting on Tuesday in a parliamentary election that could give Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen a third term, partly due to her firm stance against U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland.
Opinion polls indicate her Social Democrats may secure their weakest result since before World War II. Some voters criticize her handling of the welfare system and rising living costs, while others express fatigue after nearly seven years of her leadership.
Frederiksen called the election ahead of the October deadline, aiming to benefit from increased support during heightened tensions over Trump’s remarks about Greenland. However, the issue has since cooled, with domestic concerns like a proposed wealth tax and immigration taking priority. She has campaigned on strong leadership, emphasizing Denmark’s role in global issues, including support for Ukraine against Russia and maintaining sovereignty over Greenland.
Frederiksen, in power since 2019, previously united left- and right-leaning parties, but her coalition is now expected to lose its parliamentary majority. Her party has recovered somewhat in polls, rising from 17% in December to around 21%, yet the left bloc is projected to fall short of the 90 seats needed in the 179-seat parliament.
The right bloc is led by Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen of the Liberal Party. The outcome may depend on Lars Lokke Rasmussen, leader of the centrist Moderates, who could play a decisive role in forming the next government.
A total of 12 parties are contesting, with four seats from Greenland and the Faroe Islands potentially proving crucial.Voting began at 8 a.m. local time and ends at 8 p.m., with exit polls expected shortly after.
