Polls & Research

Governing Liberals Now Second in Denmark

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The Social Democracy in Denmark (SD) remains ahead of all other political parties in the Scandinavian country, according to a poll by Catinét Research released by Ritzau. 26.6 per cent of respondents would vote for the main opposition party in the next general election, up 1.1 points since mid-June.

The ruling Left, Liberal Party of Denmark (V) is second with 24.2 per cent—down 2.8 points in a week—followed by the Danish People's Party (DF) with 12 per cent, the Conservative People's Party (KF)—currently a Liberal coalition partner—with 10 per cent, the Socialist People's Party (SF) with 9.3 per cent, the New Alliance (NA) with 6.6 per cent, and the Radical Left-Social Liberal Party (RV) with 6.3 per cent. Support is lower for Unity List-The Red Greens (EL), the Christian Democrats (KD), and the Centre-Democrats (CD).

In the February 2005 election, the Liberals received 29 per cent of the vote and elected 52 lawmakers to the People's Diet—four less than in the 2001 ballot. The governing centre-right coalition remained in place with the support of 92 legislators. Liberal leader Anders Fogh Rasmussen has acted as prime minister since November 2001. In April 2005, Helle Thorning-Schmidt became the new leader of the Social Democrats, replacing Mogens Likketoft. Denmark has never had a female head of government.

In May, former Radical Left member Naser Khader assembled the New Alliance, declaring, "We feel politically homeless and believe that there are many others who feel the same way." Khader said his party is interested in a coalition with Rasmussen's Liberals after the 2009 election.

On Jun. 28, the government announced that Denmark will give entry visas to 14 Iraqis who have helped Danish troops serving in Iraq as interpreters or aides, so that they can travel to the Scandinavian country and apply for asylum there. It was also announced that an additional eight Iraqis who have helped one Danish contingent in southern Iraq will receive monetary assistance for education, or could also be considered for jobs at Danish missions in the region. Danish defence minister Soeren Gade explained the rationale, saying, "We acknowledge that these people who have helped Denmark are in a difficult security situation."

Polling Data

What party would you support in the next general election?