Trump and Greenland loom over Denmark’s snap election, but voters appear focused on other issues. Here’s what to know

Trump and Greenland loom over Denmark’s snap election, but voters appear focused on other issues. Here’s what to know

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is campaigning on the promise of stability during uncertain times, aiming to capitalize on her management of tensions with the Trump administration regarding Greenland. Her international standing has been bolstered by her strong stance on the war in Ukraine, the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, and Trump’s assertive remarks about the autonomous territory. Frederiksen, 48, had to call an election before October, strategically timing it to align with her recent handling of the Greenland dispute, which sparked a significant rebound in her party’s support.

Last year, the Social Democrats, Frederiksen’s party, faced challenges, with support dropping to around 17% in December polls, according to Megafon. However, the prime minister’s response to the renewed Greenland debate saw a recovery, pushing the party’s approval up to 20.9%, as revealed by Megafon’s polling for Danish media outlets TV2 and Politiken. While global discussions about Greenland and the transatlantic alliance dominate headlines, Danish voters are more preoccupied with domestic matters.

“The campaign is basically about bread-and-butter issues,” said Ulrik Pram Gad, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies. “She tried to capitalize on this ‘rally around the flag effect,’ but everybody knew that was more a question of momentum. Because as soon as debates began, it’s really about the economy and environmental affairs this time.”

Key concerns include a cost-of-living crisis and growing inequality, alongside debates over Denmark’s nuclear energy ban and strict immigration policies. Even local issues, such as the welfare of farm pigs, are drawing attention. Frederiksen’s third term bid faces criticism over her failure to address rising housing, food, and energy costs. In her final week of campaigning, she pledged to provide food and heating assistance if inflation spikes due to the war in Iran.

Denmark’s political scene is complex, with 12 main parties competing. This often leads to coalition governments, as no single party typically secures a majority. Tight elections, which are common in the fragmented multi-party system, can elevate Greenland’s role. The territory, with two parliamentary seats, may sway the outcome if the vote is closely contested.

“As a general rule, they are reluctant to interfere in Danish domestic politics, and they try to stay out of deciding who’s going to be the Danish prime minister. But every time the elections are tight, they are counted for a majority in parliament,” Pram Gad explained to CNN.

If current polls hold, Frederiksen’s Social Democrats are likely to retain power, though the results could mark their weakest showing in over a century. The “Red Bloc,” a coalition of left-leaning parties, is projected to secure 86 seats, narrowly ahead of the “Blue Bloc” of right-leaning parties, which is expected to win 78. The Moderates, led by Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, might join the Blue Bloc, increasing their seat count to 89. This delicate balance highlights the challenges of governing in Denmark’s polarized political environment.