Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Monday she had managed to form a left-wing coalition government months after inconclusive elections in March.
“After long negotiations, a government was formed,” he told reporters after meeting the country’s King Frederick
A palace statement said the coalition would consist of Frederiksen’s Social Democrats governing alongside the Green Left, Social Liberals and Moderates.
“His Majesty the King has subsequently invited Acting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to form such a government,” it said.
The deal marks Frederickson’s third term in office. He is set to present his political program on Tuesday and announce his cabinet on Wednesday.
The 48-year-old previously stood up to US President Donald Trump in response to his threats to annex Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory.
Why the delay in government formation?
Neither Denmark’s right nor leftist faction gained a majority in the March 24 election, resulting in a hung parliament. Frederiksen’s Social Democrats emerged in their weakest position since 1903 with 38 seats but remained the largest party.
Frederiksen’s new coalition has 82 of the 179 seats in parliament. Although this is less than the 90 seats required for a majority, minority governments are common in Denmark and usually depend on the support of other parties.
Danish media reported that a separate coalition of leftists and greens could also support the coalition.
“I think everyone will be surprised to see how determined we are,” Fredericksen said. “Our program for the government is good for the people and future generations living in Denmark, as well as for the animals,” he said.
The new Prime Minister was referring to pig farming in Denmark, an issue that dominated the campaign.
The election also saw the traditional far-right Danish People’s Party receive 9% of the vote, more than tripling its result, reflecting the growing influence of far-right political forces around the world.
Edited by: Louis Olofse
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