Danish Coalition Talks Collapse, Frederiksen's Future Uncertain

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's efforts to form a new governing coalition collapsed on Friday after a key partner withdrew from negotiations, putting her ambition to win a third consecutive term at risk.

Moderate Party chairman Lars Lokke Rasmussen ended talks with Frederiksen and suggested that Troels Lund Poulsen of the Liberal Party should take over as lead negotiator and seek to form a centre-right government.

Centre-left coalition talks have stalled in recent weeks, slowing government decision-making at a time when Denmark is also grappling with strained relations with US President Donald Trump's administration over Greenland.

King Frederik X must now explore options for appointing someone to lead coalition-forming efforts. He could also reappoint Frederiksen, now or at a later stage, to make a second attempt. The two are due to meet later on Friday.

Frederiksen's Social Democrats, in power since 2019, won 38 seats in the 179-member parliament in the March elections, down from 50 in 2022 and their worst result since 1903.

(reuters, max)