Fogh Rasmussen heads for third term in Denmark

Anders Fogh Rasmussen said he would hold broad government talks in a bid to ensure backing for his planned reform of the Danish welfare state after the Danes re-elected the liberal prime minister for a third term.

After a close race involving debates on the welfare state and economy, Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen was re-elected for a historic third term on 13 November 2007. His future plans include tax-cuts, improved public services and changes to immigration policy.

The centre-right New Alliance was expected to play the role of a kingmaker, but in the end, it was the Faroe Islands which secured Fogh Rasmussen the 90 seats in the 179-strong Danish Parliament he needed to continue with the current government coalition: his liberal ‘Venstre’ party, the Conservatives and the far-right Danish People’s Party. 

The latter has not held ministerial posts so far, but by supporting the government has secured itself a ‘right of veto’ on issues such as immigration and asylum policy. The question now is whether they will ask for ministerial positions.

Fogh Rasmussen said he wants a “broad government basis” as he needs strong backing for his policies. He is considering including New Alliance in talks over the new government programme. New Alliance is a new liberal party headed by Syrian-born Naser Khader and promoting relaxation of immigration policies. However, the Danish People’s Party and New Alliance strongly oppose each other, and it seems rather unlikely that they would be able to cooperate.

The EU was not a major issue in the Danish elections, which had a 86.6% turnout. However, there could be more pressure on Fogh Rasmussen to call a referendum on the new Lisbon Treaty, as pro-EU-referendum parties were strengthened by the elections. The prime minister has not yet decided whether to hold a referendum, but does not think it is absolutely necessary as he says that the Treaty does not entail giving-up more competences to the EU and thus could be ratified in parliament.

The Conservatives and Danish Foreign Minister Stig Moller, however, are promoting a referendum to end the Danish opt-outs on co-operation in legal matters, such as the fight against terrorism. According to surveys, the majority of the population also wants a referendum.

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