An unprecedented party switch in Middelfart has tipped the balance of power and turned the mayoral election upside down. It has driven angry citizens to the streets, with many feeling »betrayed« and treated with disrespect.

Voters feel cheated by council member switching parties

Social Democrat Ulla Sørensen has switched to the party Venstre, thus securing the mayoral chain for Venstre instead of Social Democrat Johannes Lundsfryd. Foto: Martin Lehmann

»Stop the vote thief« and »The election’s biggest electoral fraud« were two of the messages that angry and disappointed protesters had painted on their signs when they met in front of Middelfart Town Hall on Thursday afternoon.

Around 150 residents of Funen had braved the biting November cold and gathered in the town square among Christmas decorations and election posters because they felt downright »betrayed« by 60-year-old municipal politician Ulla Sørensen.

This is for subscribers' eyes only

But don’t you worry. Your Politiken Edition subscription is just one click away. We are looking forward to bringing you a handpicked selection of Politiken's stories - translated into English. Your subscription includes unlimited access to The New York Times.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber? Welcome back. Sign in here

Voters feel cheated by council member switching parties

This is for subscribers' eyes only

Most read

The government’s math points to a very large impact from the VAT changes. Perhaps too large, critics say.

Who struck the match? Porn, self-harm and violent communities: Experts warn of the consequences of a new, personalized internet

One particular group will be hit hard if the lower VAT on food is only partially passed through

More Danish homes are being used as illegal shadow hotels

Two groups of young men were killed after driving the wrong way. Now their TikTok profiles are drawing attention and outrage.

It can cause impotence and suicidal thoughts. Yet hair-loss drugs are booming

One particular group will be hit hard if the lower VAT on food is only partially passed through

Porn, self-harm and violent communities: Experts warn of the consequences of a new, personalized internet

Two groups of young men were killed after driving the wrong way. Now their TikTok profiles are drawing attention and outrage.

The government’s math points to a very large impact from the VAT changes. Perhaps too large, critics say.

He used the word at the party congress. He has repeated it again and again, but in the courtroom he would not

Many immigrants are headed toward a retirement in poverty

More Danish homes are being used as illegal shadow hotels

It can cause impotence and suicidal thoughts. Yet hair-loss drugs are booming

Jutlanders aren’t the only ones. In Copenhagen, we, too, are grappling with problem behavior

Excess-mortality figures in Europe surprise Danish researcher: »It is unusual for this group to be hit«

The government was looking for a fresh start after the first messy scandals

When young people leave grade school, something suddenly shifts dramatically in their thirst

Synoptik and Profil Optik sell the ‘harassment glasses,’ while other opticians say no

It’s like coming face to face with a flasher: »There’s no way I can protect myself against it«

The Danish People’s Party wants to save DKK 27 billion by scrapping welfare for foreigners

Mie warned Instagram’s owner. They sent her a coffee gift card, which felt like an attempt to silence her

Thousands of homeowners paid too little and got away with it

First day as a teacher: Caroline, 27, meets her new class

»Disaster waiting to happen«: Volunteers describe dangerous situations at traditional party for high school students

The number of applicants to Copenhagen Business School has risen sharply this year

»It’s absolutely fantastic«: The family’s new luxury purchase is meant to bring Dubai to Varde