Denmark’s liberal bloc shines in local elections, from record results for Radikale to a strong showing for Venstre and the debut of Moderaterne.
Local elections took place on 18 November, with results showing a general shift in power. The cost of living, housing and welfare were defining issues, particularly in largest municipalities.
Venstre remained the second largest party and secured the most mayors in the county (39). They ran the highest number of candidates (1600) and party leader Troels Lund Poulsen visited all 98 municipalities throughout the campaign.
Commenting on the results, he said:
“[We won] almost 18 percent of the voters. It is a support that we as a party can be extremely proud of. Venstre is now Denmark's largest mayoral party at the time of writing. And at the same time, we are taking the chairmanship in three out of the country's four regions.”
Radikale Venstre achieved its best result in decades, strengthening its position in Copenhagen. The party elected their highest share of representatives (98) and kept the mayoralty in Fanø. Their campaign targeted international voters and helped boost party membership.
Moreover, the party broke its own record for the most elected city councillors, set in 2021. Nationally, the party received 5.4% of the vote, its second highest share in more than 50 years. Party leader, Martin Lidegaard, spoke on the matter:
“Thank you so much to every single voter who put their tick mark on list B and on the next generation. And to every single radical candidate and all your supporters who have worked hard in recent weeks. You have all made a huge difference! Now the work begins.”
Moderaterne ran in local elections for the first time, winning a total of six seats. Their campaign focused on the need for a centrist force to bridge political polarisation and address everyday concerns of Danes.
This election marks a new phase for Moderaterne, as their candidates ran directly under the party, rather than through city council seats gained via party-switching.