Danish Elections, November 13th

[Sergius]

Announced just now.

[Marulus]

More details, on parties, programs, campaigns, on what's at stake, on EU, the new treaty, on the immigration, on the appraoch to the questions of economy, international relations etc etc?

[Sergius]

The latest survey points to a reelection of Anders Fogh's Venstre (Liberal-turned-social-democrat)-Konservative (Liberal/"Conservative") government, with their ally, Dansk Folkeparti (pseudo-patriotic social demorats), as the supporting party once again.




Opposition in red.

[Marulus]

53% vs 47%? According to this poll, Fogh's victory does not appear so certain.

[Sergius]

Noteworthy parties:
Venstre:
Headed by current Prime Minister Anders Fogh, ex-Libertarian, who sold out his principles to gain power. Traditionally a Liberal party, which during recent years has made a successful attempt at gaining new support by adopting the rhetoric and many parts of Socialdemokraternes political agenda, i.e. the welfare state, and the immigration policy of Dansk Folkeparti, i.e. letting fewer foreigners in, and standing firmly on "Danish principles" such as Human Rights, etc.
Pro-EU, pro-Iraq War, pro-US...

Konservative:
Basically a bleak version of Venstre, with a few conservative (modern Conservatism, anyway) leanings, such as lowering of taxes. Many internal problems, and a rather uncharismatic and somewhat idiotically appearing leader, Bendt Bendtsen.

Dansk Folkeparti:
Social Democratic party with "Nationalist" leanings, i.e. reluctance towards completely open borders. Headed by controversial Pia Kjærsgaard. Firm defenders of freedom of speech, tolerance and other "Danish values."
In spite of their alleged patriotic policies, they also support assimilation of foreigners.
Pro-Iraq War, pro-Israel, pro-US, anti-EU.

Ny Alliance:
Newly-formed social Liberal party headed by former Radikale Venstre-member Naser Khader. Supportive of Venstre, wanting to push DF out of power.

Opposition:
Socialdemokraterne:
Main opposition party. Social Democrats (did they invent the term? I'm not sure). Welfare state, pro-immigration, pro-EU, US/Bush-skeptics. Largely uninteresting.

Socialistisk Folkeparti:
EU-skeptic (they want to paint it "red," but they don't oppose it) and more left-leaning than S. Gaining popularity lately. The party of the politically aware youth.

Radikale Venstre:
Social Liberal. Pro-EU, pro-immigration.

In short: cross the street, nothing to see here.

[Menydh]

Originally Posted by Ljubomir

Dansk Folkeparti (pseudo-patriotic social demorats)

Social Democrats? Anywhere I look, they are presented as Social Conservative and even Nationalist.

Are they similar to Vlaams Belang?

[Marulus]

Originally Posted by Ljubomir

In short: cross the street, nothing to see here.

You mean, something like this (I found on the Irish Nationalism, referring to the Irish political scene):

[Sergius]

Originally Posted by Mynydd

Social Democrats? Anywhere I look, they are presented as Social Conservative and even Nationalist.

That's a common misrepresentation. Their financial program is rather similar to that of traditional Danish Social Democratism, with high taxes and economic security for the weak groups in society, especially the elderly, low-income workers and the sick. If Social Conservative, the Conservative part only denounces their stance on immigration, the Danish Church and family values.

Originally Posted by Mynydd

Are they similar to Vlaams Belang?

In some ways, yes. They do believe in the free market, in assimilation of foreigners, the multi-ethnic society, and they are patriotic 'populists,' who never hide the fact that they follow the will of the common man. I can't pinpoint what it is, but I have always thought of Vlaams Belang as more Nationalist.

[Marulus]

Is there any chance of a future governmental coalition rejecting the EU treaty?

[Sergius]

No, not by the parties. Only two parties oppose it per se, namely Dansk Folkeparti and Enhedslisten (far-left party on the verge of losing their seats in the Folketing). The question is whether or not there will be a plebiscite. When it first appeared, a plebiscite was necessary because the treaty attacked Danish sovereignty, but in the revised version, you guessed it, the wording was changed so as to not require a plebiscite.