Copenhagen, Denmark. Danes voted on Tuesday in an election that could return Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen for a third term, despite cost-of-living worries and opinion polls pointing to a weak result for her Social Democrats. A divided right has made her the favourite to lead a reconfigured coalition.
Polls and prospects for a new coalition
Opinion polls show the Social Democrats are headed for their weakest result since before World War Two. Many voters blame Frederiksen for not doing enough to protect Denmark’s Nordic welfare model, while others cite growing weariness after nearly seven years of her leadership.
Despite the party’s expected showing, Frederiksen is seen as the leading candidate to return to power because the right is split, raising the likelihood of coalition negotiations.
Early election call and Greenland focus
Frederiksen, 48, called the vote months before an October deadline. Analysts said the move aimed to capitalise on an uptick in her popularity after U.S. President Donald Trump intensified rhetoric in January about controlling Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, and refused to rule out military force.
The Greenland issue has since shifted to a less heated diplomatic track and been overtaken by domestic concerns.
Domestic issues dominate campaign concerns
Key issues include a proposed wealth tax, debates on immigration, and calls for restrictions on agricultural pesticides affecting groundwater.
“The environment is the most important. And also to have a stable government. That’s the two main things I’m voting for,” said Kenneth Gall, a theatre producer voting at Copenhagen’s City Hall.
Polling stations close at 8 p.m. (1900 GMT), with exit polls due shortly after.
Parties contesting vote and potential influence of North Atlantic seats
Twelve parties are contesting the ballot. Four seats allocated to candidates from Greenland and the Faroe Islands may prove decisive.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who took office last year after winning an election for the island’s devolved parliament, told Reuters it was crucial to boost cooperation between Copenhagen and Nuuk.
What issue will matter most to you in deciding which parties should form Denmark’s next government?