COPENHAGEN — Mette Frederiksen announced on Monday that she had agreed to form a new centre-left coalition government following the 24 March parliamentary election in Denmark. She secured a third consecutive term as prime minister after her Social Democratic party remained the largest group in parliament, winning 38 of 179 seats, down from 50 in the previous term.
Frederiksen, the Social Democratic leader, told reporters: "I have been to see his majesty the king and announced that a government can be formed after long negotiations." The new government will include the Social Democrats, the Social Liberals, the Green Left, and the centrist Moderates. Though the coalition does not hold a majority on its own, it will rely primarily on the far-left Red-Green Alliance for parliamentary support, while retaining the option to seek backing from other parties on individual votes.
Frederiksen’s previous coalition, which governed over the past four years, had included her Social Democrats, the Moderates, and the rightwing Liberals. That centrist alliance lost its majority in the March election. The election occurred during a cost of living crisis that influenced voter behavior. Twelve parties won seats in the fragmented parliament, complicating coalition talks.
The government’s immediate agenda includes diplomatic discussions concerning Greenland and a rapid buildup of Denmark’s military in response to deteriorating security in Europe due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Frederiksen said the new administration’s platform aims to address long-term national challenges. "It is a government platform for the people who are in Denmark and for the generations to come and also for the animals," she told reporters. Animal welfare was among the major topics debated during the election campaign. The coalition’s full list of priorities will be presented on Tuesday, with ministerial appointments scheduled to be announced on Wednesday.