Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is facing the toughest political test of her career after her Social Democrats recorded their worst election performance in more than a century, according to final vote projections released Tuesday.
Despite remaining the largest party, the Social Democrats are expected to secure just 38 seats in the 179-member Folketing, a sharp drop from the 50 seats they held following the previous election.
The result reflects growing dissatisfaction among voters over migration policies and rising living costs.
Frederiksen, who has led Denmark since 2019, campaigned heavily on her leadership credentials, emphasizing her handling of international challenges, including tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland and Europe’s response to Russia-Ukraine War.
However, domestic concerns ultimately dominated voter priorities.
Speaking to supporters in Copenhagen, Frederiksen acknowledged the difficult outcome but signaled her intention to remain in power. “I’m ready to take on the responsibility. It will be difficult,” she said, pointing to global instability and external pressures during her tenure.
While her left-leaning bloc is projected to win 84 seats—more than the 77 seats expected for right-wing parties—it still falls short of a decisive majority, setting the stage for complex coalition negotiations that could take weeks.
The election also highlighted deep divisions within Danish society. Frederiksen has pursued one of Europe’s strictest immigration policies, including temporary refugee protections and increased deportations.
This approach alienated parts of her left-wing base while failing to fully satisfy right-leaning voters.
The anti-immigration Danish People’s Party saw a dramatic resurgence, with leader Morten Messerschmidt celebrating a surge in support to over 9%. He attributed the gains to widespread frustration with current policies and called for stricter immigration controls and economic relief measures.
Meanwhile, the centrist Moderates, led by Lars Løkke Rasmussen, could emerge as kingmakers in the formation of the next government.
Rasmussen signaled openness to negotiations but urged Frederiksen to abandon proposals such as a wealth tax, which had been intended to fund education reforms.
On the right, Troels Lund Poulsen, leader of the Liberal Party, ruled out joining a coalition under Frederiksen, further complicating her path to a third term.
The election outcome is also being closely watched in Greenland, where political leaders are seeking greater leverage in negotiations with Copenhagen, particularly amid renewed international interest in the Arctic region.
Analysts say Frederiksen now finds herself navigating pressure from both ends of the political spectrum. “She is between a rock and a hard place,” said political observers, noting the erosion of support across traditional voter bases.
The results mirror a broader global trend of anti-incumbent sentiment, as governments face backlash over inflation, economic uncertainty, and contentious policy decisions.
As coalition talks begin, Denmark enters a period of political uncertainty, with Frederiksen’s future—and the direction of the country—hanging in the balance.