Frederiksen eyes third term after defying Trump

Danes have begun voting in parliamentary elections that could secure Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen a third term, with her firm stance against US President Donald Trump over Greenland boosting her position, even as domestic concerns dominate the campaign.

Frederiksen’s handling of tensions with Washington, after Trump sought control of Greenland, has lifted her standing. But the election has largely turned on issues closer to home, particularly the rising cost of living.

Polls suggest the Social Democrats are on course for their weakest result since the Second World War. Support has recovered to around 21 per cent following the Greenland dispute, yet the left-wing bloc is still unlikely to secure a majority. Despite this, Frederiksen remains the frontrunner to form a government, with the right-wing opposition divided.

She called the election early in an effort to capitalise on the surge in support during the tensions over Greenland, though that issue has since faded into the background. Taxes, welfare and immigration have moved to the forefront of the campaign.

'This election is very much about Mette Frederiksen,' said political analyst Hans Engell. He added that while some voters view her as a strong leader in times of crisis, others regard her as overly authoritarian.

The centrist party led by former Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen could prove decisive in shaping the next government. A total of 12 parties are competing for seats, while representatives from Greenland and the Faroe Islands may also influence the final result.

(reuters, max)