Helle Thorning-Schmidt to be Danish PM

16 Sep 2011 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Denmark's centre-left has won the country's general election, ending nearly a decade in opposition. With all votes counted, the bloc led by Social Democrat leader Helle Thorning-Schmidt had won a narrow majority in parliament.

She is set to become Denmark's first woman prime minister. Incumbent Lars Lokke Rasmussen has admitted defeat.

Ms. Thorning-Schmidt had campaigned on a platform of tax rises and increased public spending.

She also promised to roll back tough immigration laws proposed by a junior partner of the current coalition.

The centre-left bloc won 89 seats in Denmark's 179-seat parliament against 86 for the centre-right. Turnout was high at 87.7%.
"We did it... today we've written history," Ms. Thorning-Schmidt told jubilant supporters.

Mr. Rasmussen said he had called Ms. Thorning-Schmidt to congratulate her, but added, "Tonight I hand over the keys to the prime minister's office to Helle Thorning-Schmidt. And dear Helle, take good care of them. You're only borrowing them."

The "Blue Bloc" led by Mr. Rasmussen has held power in Denmark for a decade.

The country has seen its worst economic downturn since World War II. Although Denmark is a member of the EU, it has chosen not to adopt the euro. (BBC)

Breaking News

Helle Thorning-Schmidt to be Danish PM

Most Popular Articles

More arrests of lawyers, politicians and senior police officers

Former National Lotteries Board Chairperson Shyamila Perera arrested

Girl visited her lover, gang raped by lover and his friends

Updated World Test Championship standings after West Indies’ record win over Sri Lanka

Historic locomotive move between Kandy and Peradeniya without tracks

12-hour water cut in Colombo and suburbs on Saturday

Latest News

Beware of walking on roads while using phones! Police watchful!

Applications for 2026 GCE O/L exam open until July 23

Port City secures US $ 300mn FDI commitment due to renewed investment drive

GovTech Sri Lanka appoints Shevan Goonetilleke as CEO

Trump, Netanyahu agree to meet in the US soon during phone call