Denmark's New Government Vows to Tackle Cost of Living and Resist US Pressure on Greenland
The New Government's Agenda
Denmark's new left-leaning government, led by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, has pledged to address the cost of living crisis and resist US pressure over Greenland. The government will implement measures such as halving VAT on food, offering free public transport to young people, and providing extra support to low-income pensioners.
Cost of Living Measures
The government's immediate priorities include addressing the cost of living crisis, which haunted Frederiksen in the run-up to the 24 March election. The measures seek to provide targeted support to those Danes who have been hit hard by rising petrol and diesel prices.
- Halving VAT on food
- Removing VAT on fruit and vegetables
- Providing extra DKr1,000 (£115) a month to less well-off pensioners
- Offering free public transport to everyone under the age of 22
Resisting US Pressure on Greenland
The government will stand firm on the kingdom's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination over Greenland. Denmark's military will be further expanded amid concerns about US commitment to European security.
The Impact Analysis
The new government coalition marks a shift to the left for the 48-year-old prime minister, who for the past four years has headed an unlikely left-right alliance. With only 82 of the 179 seats in parliament, it will rely mainly on the support of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance for a parliamentary majority.
The Prediction
The coalition talks were the longest in Denmark's history, and analysts have said the evident difficulty in forming the government, as well as a series of scandals that have weakened Frederiksen since she became prime minister in 2019, may mean it does not survive its full term.