Dozens of Social Democratic city council members across Denmark are urging Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to resign as party leader after heavy local election losses, warning the Social Democrats risk losing the next parliamentary election if she stays.
Growing Pressure on the Party Leader
For the first time since Mette Frederiksen took over the leadership of the Social Democrats ten years ago, a wave of local elected members is calling openly for her to step down. Their message is clear: without new leadership, the party could face another defeat at the next national election.
The criticism follows a tough municipal election where the Social Democrats lost in 87 of the country’s 98 municipalities and saw their overall share of the vote drop to 23.2 percent, the lowest level since Denmark’s municipal reform in 1970. The party also lost 18 mayoral positions across the country.
Frederiksen acknowledged the poor showing but said she had no plans to resign. The results, however, have sparked deep frustration among party ranks, many of whom believe that voters have lost confidence in her leadership style and direction.
Survey Reveals Divided Opinions
A new internal survey by DR News shows that 41 Social Democratic city council members believe Frederiksen should be replaced before the upcoming general election. In contrast, 130 still stand behind her, while 62 declined to answer. Around a third of all current city council members participated in the poll.
When asked how much influence Frederiksen had on the election outcome, nearly 100 respondents said she had a negative impact. Only 24 described her influence as positive. The responses point to a deep split within the party about her ability to unite the base and recover trust among voters.
Because Denmark’s welfare-oriented system is often associated with Danish socialism, any shift in tone or direction from the Social Democrats often triggers emotional debate within the party’s core supporters.
Calls for a Fresh Start
From Skive in western Jutland to Ishøj near Copenhagen, council members voiced the same concern: the party needs new energy and a new face. Several point to younger profiles like Holbæk’s 33‑year‑old mayor, Christina Krzyrosiak Hansen, who became the top vote‑getter at the local elections. They describe her as relatable, calm, and unburdened by controversy.
Others mention ministers such as Mattias Tesfaye or Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen as potential successors. In their view, the next leader must reconnect the party with its traditional working‑class base and strengthen trust in the political establishment.
Dissatisfaction with Coalition Policies
Many in the local branches argue that Frederiksen’s decision to form a centrist government with the Liberal Party (Venstre) and Moderates blurred the Social Democrats’ identity. They see this shift as a move away from classic center‑left priorities like protecting low‑income families and reinforcing equality.
Among their grievances are unpopular reforms such as abolishing the religious holiday known as “Store Bededag” and cutting certain welfare benefits. For many traditional members, these measures contradict the movement’s history of social protection and labor rights.
One council member from Halsnæs argued that the government has ignored “the little man,” saying the leadership has drifted too far from the party’s founding principles. Some members believe that only a total reset can revive voter trust before the next election, which is due by late next year.
Party Leadership Defends Frederiksen
Despite the rebellion, the top leadership remains firmly behind Frederiksen. Parliamentary spokesperson Christian Rabjerg Madsen highlighted that only a small fraction of all local representatives want her out. He emphasized that the prime minister had previously faced losses but later delivered strong national results, including winning the 2022 general election.
The leadership insists that widespread change is not needed and attributes much of the unrest to disappointment over local results rather than true disapproval of the national strategy. Still, the visible internal tension shows that confidence in Frederiksen’s once‑solid leadership has weakened.
What Comes Next?
Whether Frederiksen can stabilize her party will depend on how she handles the criticism in the months ahead. The Social Democrats’ historic role as the key driver of Denmark’s welfare state means the stakes are high. If more council members join the calls for change, pressure could grow rapidly leading into the national campaign season.
For now, Frederiksen remains both Denmark’s prime minister and the Social Democratic leader, but her position has rarely looked so fragile. How she responds may determine whether her party can recover or whether the internal rebellion will force her to give way for a new generation of leadership.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Is Denmark Socialist? Danish Socialism Explained by Social Scientist
The Danish Dream: Best Lawyer in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Nu taler socialdemokratiske byraadsmedlemmer åbent om Mette Frederiksens afgang – Hun må gå som formand
