The political framework of Denmark

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

Monarch: King Frederik X (since 14 January 2024)
Prime Minister: Mette Frederiksen (since 27 June 2019) – Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet)

Next Election Dates

Parliamentary: 31 October 2026

Current Political Context

Left parties retained their majority in the 2022 snap elections, although it was reduced to a single seat. The governing Social Democrats achieved their best result in 20 years and Mette Frederiksen was confirmed as prime minister, leading a coalition government composed of the Social Democrats, Venstre and the Moderates: for the first time in over four decades, the newly formed government departed from the conventional left-right division, marking the country's initial majority coalition government since 1993. Given the traditional stability of the Danish political system, the government is likely to remain in office until the scheduled election in November 2026.
The most pressing concerns for the Danish population include inflation, climate change, healthcare, and immigration. The coalition has unveiled its strategy to achieve climate neutrality for Denmark by 2045 and decrease national carbon dioxide emissions. The Danes also voted on 1 June 2022 to join the European Union's defence and security common policy, ending a 30-year opt-out.

Main Political Parties

The main political parties in Denmark are:

• Social Democrats (S): centre-left, governing party, follows social-democratic ideology
• Liberal Party (Venstre): centre-right, second largest party in Denmark, market liberal party
• Danish People’s Party (DF/DPP): right-wing, populist, prioritizes “protection of the culture of the Danish people”
• Social Liberal Party (R): centre-left, socially liberal
• Socialist People’s Party (SF): centre-left, follows popular-socialism inspired by socialism and green politics
• Unity List/Red–Green Alliance (EL): far-left, working toward socialist democracy
• Liberal Alliance: centre-right
• Conservative People’s Party (KF): centre-right, conservative political party.
• People's Movement Against EU: euro-scepticism

Executive Power

The Monarch is the head of the state and theoretically holds all executive powers, but in reality the executive powers are exercised by the Prime Minister on behalf of the monarch. In general, the leader of the majority party or coalition is appointed Prime Minister by the monarch. The cabinet, called Council of State, is appointed by the Monarch on Prime Minister's recommendation.

Legislative Power

The legislature is unicameral. The parliament called People's Assembly (or "Folketing") has the ultimate legislative authority; its 179 members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms. On a vote of no confidence motion the parliament may force the entire government to resign.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

World Rank:

4/180

Indicator of Political Freedom

Ranking:

Free

Political Freedom:

1/7

Political freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House