Displaying items by tag: minority government

Danish voters headed to the polls in a snap election called by prime minister Mette Frederiksen, who is seeking a third term. Exit polls suggest her Social Democratic-led coalition won the most seats but may fall short of a clear majority, leaving the final outcome dependent on smaller parties. The centre-ground Moderates, led by Lars Løkke Rasmussen, are expected to play a key role in forming a government. Meanwhile, both the Danish People’s Party and the Liberal Alliance made notable gains, reflecting a shift in voter sentiment. Frederiksen is known for strong support of Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion and for a restrictive approach to migration, and has been praised for standing her ground against Donald Trump’s claims that the USA should annex Greenland. However, the campaign largely focused on domestic concerns such as inflation, welfare, and environmental pressures. The close result highlights a fragmented political landscape and the need for cooperation in shaping Denmark’s next government.

France is in uncharted waters after President Emmanuel Macron lost his majority, with a large, shaky opposition bloc on the left and many more far-right lawmakers surging into the National Assembly. Just two months into his second five-year term, Macron has the narrowest majority in French political history and must govern through coalition-building. Marine Le Pen's strategy to turn her far-right party mainstream has succeeded, increasing its lawmakers almost tenfold and cementing the party's rise from fringe status to mainstream opposition. The largest opposition group can claim the privilege of chairing the National Assembly's finance committee - a strategic role because the committee's president sets the agenda, giving any opposition lawmaker determined to hamstring the majority a tool to do so. It also confers powers of inquiry, with access to tax and public spending documents usually off-limits. Marine Le Pen says she intends to lobby for this highly strategic post.