Denmark Shows How Labour Can Defeat the Populist Right
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Loading... - Chloe Bernard
- 17 Feb 2025
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In an era where the political landscape is increasingly dominated by right-wing populism, Denmark's Social Democrats, led by Mette Frederiksen, have managed to not only maintain power but also reshape the immigration debate to their advantage. This success offers valuable lessons for left-leaning parties elsewhere, particularly in the context of rising populism across Europe and North America.
The current political climate reflects a significant shift, with right-wing populist figures gaining prominence. As the G7 summit approaches, the focus is expected to shift from leaders like Joe Biden to figures such as Donald Trump and Pierre Poilievre. This ideological shift mirrors historical changes seen during the eras of leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. However, amidst this backdrop, some social democratic politicians have thrived, with Denmark's Frederiksen standing out as a notable example.
Frederiksen's approach to immigration has often been mischaracterized as merely harsh. In reality, it is part of a broader, more nuanced strategy. Martin Engell-Rossen, a key strategist behind Frederiksen’s rise, emphasizes the importance of understanding societal dynamics and building coalitions. The Social Democrats lost power in 2015 due to a disconnect with working-class voters, particularly in rural areas. To regain credibility, Frederiksen made a strategic choice to prioritize working-class concerns over cosmopolitan urban voters, successfully reducing the far-right Danish People’s Party's (DPP) influence.
This mirrors the Labour Party's focus on "hero-voters" in the UK, particularly those in traditionally Conservative areas who shifted their support. The challenge for both Frederiksen and Labour leader Keir Starmer is to maintain this focus while in government.
Frederiksen's success also stems from her ability to address contentious issues like migration with credibility. Rather than simply adopting a tough stance, she sought a distinctly social democratic approach. By decoupling the migration debate from race and culture, she framed it within the context of preserving Denmark's social model and welfare state. This reframing allowed her to engage with the issue on a level that resonated with voters concerned about the future of their social democracy.
Frederiksen acknowledges Denmark's moral obligation to assist vulnerable populations but argues that mass migration threatens the sustainability of the Danish social model. By advocating for a new asylum system that focuses on helping refugees at their source—such as through a "Marshall Plan for Africa"—she positioned her party as a pragmatic alternative to both the far-right and far-left narratives.
Frederiksen's integration policy emphasizes rights and obligations, reinforcing Danish values, including women's rights and social cohesion. This approach not only addresses the concerns of voters but also provides a framework for integrating newcomers into Danish society. Engell-Rossen notes that this shift in migration policy was crucial for the Social Democrats' overall credibility.
Denmark's experience under Mette Frederiksen illustrates how social democratic parties can effectively counter the rise of populism by reframing contentious issues and building coalitions with working-class voters. By addressing immigration through the lens of social democracy and emphasizing the importance of national values, Frederiksen has carved out a successful political strategy that other left-leaning parties can learn from. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the lessons from Denmark may prove invaluable for those seeking to navigate the challenges posed by right-wing populism.
