Winning Didn’t Save Them: Denmark’s Ruling Party Takes a Hit

Denmark’s Social Democrats have won the election—but with their worst result in more than a century, leaving Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen weakened and facing a difficult path to power.

Her party secured 21.9% of the vote, while the left-leaning bloc won 84 seats in the 179-seat Folketing, ahead of the right-wing bloc on 77. But neither side has a majority, forcing a new round of coalition talks.

The result reflects a government squeezed from both sides. Rising living costs and economic pressure have eroded support among centrist and right-leaning voters, while Frederiksen’s tough migration stance has alienated parts of her left-wing base.