Denmark’s left-wing coalition led by Social Democratic Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen won Tuesday’s general election but fell short of a majority, with the Social Democrats posting their weakest showing in more than 120 years.
With all the votes counted, the left-wing camp was given 84 seats in the 179-seat parliament and the right 77.
The centrist Moderate party, led by foreign minister and former prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, has become king with 14 seats, and tough talks are expected in the coming weeks to form a coalition government.
The 48-year-old Frederiksen is known for his strong support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression and for his anti-immigration stance, continuing what has become a tradition in Danish politics.
Frederiksen called the election in February, months before he did. He apparently hoped that his strong image in the conflict with US President Donald Trump’s bid to control Greenland, rallying European allies behind Denmark, would help him with voters.
His support has previously waned as the cost of living has risen, which, along with pensions and possible property taxes, has been a major campaign issue.
