For the first time in over a hundred years, Denmark’s Social Democrats have lost control of Copenhagen. In the latest municipal elections, the party of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suffered a historic defeat in the capital, where leadership will now pass to Sisse Marie Welling of the Green Left (Socialistisk Folkeparti, SF). “It’s a bigger drop than we anticipated,” Frederiksen admitted, after the Social Democrats’ vote share in Copenhagen fell from 17.2% to 12.7%. Their candidate, Pernille Rosenkrantz-Theil—former Minister of Social Affairs and Housing and a close ally of the prime minister—also underperformed, marking a symbolic blow for the party.
National Decline and the Rise of the Far Right
The setback in Copenhagen mirrors a broader national trend. Less than a year before Denmark’s next general election, the Social Democrats have seen their overall support decline sharply: from 28.4% at the 2021 local elections to 23.2% today. Meanwhile, the far-right Danish People’s Party has surged, jumping from 4% to 15.9%, signalling a striking shift in parts of the electorate. The Social Democrats also suffered significant losses in several key municipalities beyond the capital, including Frederikshavn, Køge, Fredericia, Gladsaxe, and Holstebro.
Why Voters Turned Away
Analysts point to a combination of well-defined factors behind the downturn:
Skyrocketing housing costs in major cities, which have frustrated younger and lower-income voters.
Environmental regulations perceived as overly burdensome by rural communities.
The party’s centrist turn, particularly the 2022 decision to form a broad coalition across the political spectrum, which alienated some traditional Social Democratic supporters.
This combination has widened the gap between the government and both its urban and rural bases.
A Warning Sign for Mette Frederiksen
The municipal election results, especially the loss of Copenhagen, represent a serious warning for Prime Minister Frederiksen. With the national vote looming in less than a year, the Social Democrats are entering a challenging political phase marked by internal questioning, shifting voter loyalty, and a reinvigorated opposition. The fall of a century-long stronghold underscores a deeper political change in Denmark—one that could reshape the country’s landscape well beyond its capital.
