The Danes Will Go to the Polls. Will the Prime Minister Retain Power Thanks to Donald Trump?
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen faces potential electoral consequences for her international stance on Greenland amid tensions with Donald Trump over U.S. claims to the territory.
In recent months, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has emerged as a prominent figure in Europe's resistance to Donald Trump's claims regarding control over Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Frederiksen has emphasized that the future of Greenland will be determined by the Danes and the island's residents, warning that any armed attempt by the U.S. to occupy Greenland would signal the end of NATO. Her response to these international pressures has become a focal point in the upcoming elections, highlighting the intersection of foreign policy and domestic politics.
The upcoming parliamentary elections are set to reveal whether Danes will reward Frederiksen for her international leadership during the Greenland crisis or penalize her government due to internal issues facing the country. Frederiksen has been in office since 2019, and the parliamentary elections must be held by November 1. The recent controversies surrounding Greenland have led to a rebound in her popularity in the polls, prompting speculation that she may orchestrate early elections similar to her 2022 maneuver, where she called for snap elections due to declining support, ultimately allowing her to retain power.
As the election date approaches, the political climate in Denmark remains tense, with the potential influence of U.S.-Denmark relations looming large. The outcome of the elections will not only impact Frederiksen's political future but also shape the country's policy direction regarding Greenland and its relationship with the broader international community, especially concerning NATO's stability. This situation encapsulates the delicate balance between domestic and foreign policy in Denmark, underscoring how global events can significantly sway local electoral outcomes.