‘Not over yet’: After taking on Trump, Danish PM calls snap vote
Sydney Morning Herald
by David CroweFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called a snap election for March 24, positioning herself as a leader willing to challenge global powers like the United States over issues such as Greenland’s sovereignty. The decision comes amid rising tensions with the U.S., particularly over Trump’s interest in Greenland, and reflects Frederiksen’s hardline stance on European security and migration. This election will test her popularity, which has surged recently but is also under scrutiny following December’s local government elections where her Social Democrats faced backlash.
Frederiksen emphasized that this election is crucial for Denmark to assert its independence and define its relationship with the U.S., particularly over Greenland. She argues that Europe must “stand on its own feet” in the face of external pressures, signaling a shift toward rearmament and self-reliance. The timing of the election was strategic, as she could have waited until October but chose to act sooner to address these critical issues head-on.
The snap vote is closely watched across Europe due to Denmark’s strong support for Ukraine, contrasting with leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who has aligned himself with Trump and blames Ukraine for energy shortages. In Denmark, this election also provides an opportunity for opposition parties like Venstre and the Moderates to gain influence, particularly under their free-market and hardline anti-American agendas.
With 179 seats in parliament, the Social Democrats currently hold 50, making them the largest party, but they face competition from Venstre (23 seats) and other coalitions. The election outcome will shape Denmark’s role in European security and its relationship with the U.S., offering readers insight into broader issues of sovereignty, energy politics, and migration policies in a shifting global landscape.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/26/2026