The Social Democrats have once again emerged as Denmark’s largest party, securing 21.9% of the vote in Tuesday’s parliamentary elections—but recording their worst result in more than a century.
Despite the setback, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s bloc remains the largest in parliament, though still short of a governing majority. Left-leaning parties won 84 seats in the 179-seat Folketing, compared to 77 for the right-wing opposition.
“I am ready to accept the responsibility of serving as Prime Minister of Denmark again for the next four years,” Frederiksen said following the result.
The outcome leaves Denmark facing a complex round of coalition negotiations, with neither bloc able to govern alone.
Attention is now turning to the centrist Moderates party, led by Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, which secured 14 seats and is expected to play a decisive role in determining the next government.
Meanwhile, the right-wing Danish People’s Party emerged as the election’s biggest winner, gaining 11 seats and significantly strengthening its position in parliament.
The campaign was dominated by debates over a proposed wealth tax, pensions, and environmental concerns, including the impact of fertilisers and pesticides on groundwater.