Denmark: Mette Frederiksen forms center-left coalition government

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced Monday that she has successfully formed a center-left coalition government, marking the beginning of her third term. The announcement comes more than two months after legislative elections, concluding what have been described as Denmark's longest-ever coalition negotiations.

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I announced that a government could be formed, after long negotiations.

Frederiksen's Social Democrats, while achieving their poorest electoral performance since 1903, still emerged as the largest party with 38 seats in the 179-seat Parliament. The new government comprises Frederiksen's Social Democrats, the Socialist People's Party (SF), the center-left Social Liberals (De Radikale), and the centrist Moderates. Together, these parties hold 82 seats, falling short of an absolute majority.

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I think everyone will be surprised at how determined we are.

Political commentators are keenly awaiting the details of the government's program, particularly how Frederiksen managed to bridge the ideological gap between the center-right Moderates and the left-leaning parties. While the Red-Green Alliance has not formally joined the coalition, media reports suggest they may offer support, which would be crucial for governing in the fragmented political landscape. Frederiksen expressed determination, stating, "I think everyone will be surprised at how determined we are." The program is expected to address key issues, including industrial pig farming, which was a central theme in the recent election campaign.

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It is a government program that is good for both people living in Denmark and for future generations, as well as for animals.