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King Orders Coalition Talks After Social Democrats’ Historic Loss

5/24/2026

40 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On May 23, King Frederik directed caretaker Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to restart coalition talks.
Frederiksen’s Social Democrats hold 38 of 179 seats, down from 50, their poorest result since 1903.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen of the Moderate Party is pivotal, prompting concessions and delaying policy decisions as Denmark eases tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration over Greenland.

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Story summary

On May 23, King Frederik directed caretaker Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to restart coalition talks.
Frederiksen’s Social Democrats hold 38 of 179 seats, down from 50, their poorest result since 1903.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen of the Moderate Party is pivotal, prompting concessions and delaying policy decisions as Denmark eases tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration over Greenland.