Danes are casting their ballots on Tuesday in a general election that’s shaping up to be a vote for stability after US President Donald Trump’s threats over Greenland.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s ruling party leads opinion polls, buoyed by her handling of a diplomatic crisis in January when Trump revived claims over the Arctic territory. With her image as a steady hand reinforced, the 48-year-old Social Democrat called the election early to capitalize on the rebound after record-low approval ratings late last year.
Polling stations opened at 08:00 across the country and close at 20:00, when the results of exit polls are expected.
Just as Europe’s relations with the US are at their worst in decades, the ballot will test whether Trump’s rhetoric has galvanised Danes similarly to voters in Canada and Australia who rallied around their leaders last year. Denmark’s security arrangements have risen to the top of voter concerns over staple issues like jobs, healthcare or the economy.
“It has been a strange election campaign, because almost every question I’ve been asked by Danes has been about foreign policy,” Frederiksen, vying for a third term, said Friday at a debate in Copenhagen. “We are heading into some difficult years when you consider everything that is coming at us from the outside.”
Greenland will top the incoming government’s agenda, Frederiksen said, alongside efforts to secure Europe’s energy independence and forge new alliances as traditional partnerships come under strain. In a party-leader debate earlier in the campaign, Frederiksen stated she no longer sees the US as Denmark’s closest ally.
The premier has emerged as one of Europe’s most influential leaders, bolstered by a hard line on immigration, strong backing for Ukraine and a tough stance toward Trump.
Denmark entered negotiations with the US over Greenland in January following a framework agreement, but the core dispute remains unresolved as Trump hold onto his ambition to acquire the island. Talks are “proceeding as planned,” with senior officials continuing the dialogue despite the election campaign, Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Friday.
While polls favour Frederiksen’s party, securing another four-year term hinges on her ability to piece together a parliamentary majority. The incumbent’s choice will likely be between renewing or expanding her rare cross-bloc coalition or returning to a left-leaning government. Frederiksen has signalled she is open to both options.
With 12 parties in the running, the fragmented political landscape leaves the outcome open to late shifts and negotiations that could reshape the balance of power. Current government partner, the centrist Moderates led by Rasmussen, is poised to play a pivotal role. An added twist is the four seats reserved for Greenlandic and Faroese representatives.