Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her left-wing 'red bloc' secured the most seats in the country's general election, but fell short of a majority, according to exit polls. The Social Democrats are projected to win around 21% of the vote, their lowest share since 1901 or 1903, leaving Frederiksen's position as prime minister uncertain.
The red bloc, comprising left-leaning parties, is expected to win 84 to 86 seats in the 179-seat Folketing, while the right-wing 'blue bloc' is projected to take 75 to 78 seats. The centrist Moderates, led by former prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, are set to win 14 seats, making them the likely kingmaker in coalition negotiations.
Neither bloc can form a government without the Moderates, placing Rasmussen in a powerful position. Frederiksen acknowledged the challenge, stating that the result was 'not enough to ensure that we can continue.' She emphasised the need for a government that can 'manoeuvre in an uncertain world' but declined to guarantee a red-led government even if the bloc secured a majority.
The election saw gains for the Green Left and Liberal Alliance, while the far-right Danish People's Party saw a decline. The Social Democrats' performance, though still leading, marked a significant drop from the 2022 election, reflecting voter fatigue with the incumbent government. Coalition talks are expected to be lengthy and complex.
