Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced that Denmark will hold a parliamentary election on March 24.
Relations with the United States are expected to be a point of contention at the polls, as US President Donald Trump aspires to acquire Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark.
During a speech in parliament on Thursday, Frederiksen said Danes as Europeans will truly have to stand on their own in the next four years. She added that Danish people must define their relationship with the US, and must rearm and secure peace on their continent.
The Danish parliamentary election needs to be held by the end of October.
Denmark’s government bitterly opposes remarks by Trump about Greenland. Opinion polls show that voter support for the Social Democrats, the ruling party in Denmark, increased to more than 22 percent in February. That is up from 18 percent in December.
Observers believe Frederiksen is trying to maintain the foundation of her government by going ahead with an election while her approval ratings are on the rise.