The Digester
general

Social Democrats suffer worst result since 1903 in Danish election

Exit polls show Mette Frederiksen’s Social Democrats on 21.9% and projected to drop from 50 to 38 seats, leaving the left short of a majority and setting up protracted coalition negotiations.

Mar 25th 2026 · Denmark

Insights

  • Social Democrats scored about 21.9% in exit polls, their lowest share since 1903.
  • The party is projected to fall from 50 to 38 seats and will remain the largest party but with reduced influence.
  • The Social Democrats and allied parties are projected to win 84 seats, short of the 90-seat majority in the 179-seat Folketing.
  • Right-leaning parties are expected to hold at least 77 seats, with the Moderates projected to win 14 seats and likely to be kingmaker.
  • Voters cited rising living costs and strain on welfare as primary concerns that outweighed Frederiksen’s foreign policy stance on Greenland and support for Ukraine.
  • Frederiksen’s proposed 0.5% tax on assets above 25 million kroner and perceptions of leniency on immigration contributed to voter dissatisfaction, making coalition talks and her bid for a third term uncertain.

Sources