Danish Prime Minister Forms New Centre-Left Coalition Government

Denmark’s prime minister announced on Monday that she has formed a new left-leaning minority coalition government, securing a third consecutive term in office. The coalition unites four parties that together hold 82 seats in the 179-seat parliament. It includes the prime minister’s own party along with the Socialist People’s Party, the centre-left Radikale Venstre and the centrist Moderates.

Neither the left nor the right bloc secured a majority in the March 24 election, which left parliament fragmented among 12 parties. Initial talks led by the prime minister and later efforts by the liberal Venstre party both failed to produce an agreement. The king then reappointed the prime minister for another attempt, which succeeded after extended negotiations.

The prime minister told reporters after meeting the king that a government had been formed following long negotiations. She said the coalition would present its political programme on Tuesday and name the new cabinet on Wednesday.

“I think everyone will be surprised to see how determined we are. Our programme for government is good for people now living in Denmark and for future generations alike, as well as for animals.”

The election campaign had been dominated by the issue of industrial pork farming, a major but highly polluting sector in the country.

The prime minister’s party recorded its weakest result since 1903 yet remained the largest single party with 38 seats. Three anti-immigration parties collectively received 17 percent of the vote, a figure consistent with their share over the past two decades. A separate alliance of leftists and greens is reported to be prepared to support the minority coalition from outside the government.