Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen calls parliamentary election on March 24
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
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Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced an early parliamentary election on March 24, 2023, aiming to capitalize on growing public support for her firm opposition to U.S. efforts to acquire Greenland for national security reasons. This move comes as a strategic political play to bolster her and her Social Democrat party’s position ahead of the next four-year term in the unicameral Folketing parliament.
The election will determine the composition of Denmark's 179-seat parliament, with representatives from Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. While general elections are typically held every four years, the prime minister has the flexibility to call one sooner. The last election took place in November 2022, resulting in a three-party coalition government led by Frederiksen. Her current government includes the Liberal Party and the centrist Moderates party, with key figures like Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.
Frederiksen’s decision to call an early election is driven by her increasing popularity, fueled by her leadership in opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to take over Greenland. Polls suggest that her stance has resonated with voters, particularly amid rising concerns about living costs and pressure on welfare services. By framing the election around Denmark’s sovereignty and resistance to external influence, Frederiksen is positioning herself as a defender of national interests and European unity.
This election not only reflects Denmark’s political dynamics but also highlights the broader implications of U.S.-Greenland relations for global security and international diplomacy. As Frederiksen continues to rally European leaders against Trump’s proposed Greenland deal, the outcome of this election will shape Denmark’s political landscape and its role in addressing key regional and international challenges.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026