Today’s big topic: Messerschmidt’s comeback and the end of Denmark’s big parties
What’s happening?
Morten Messerschmidt’s big personal vote underlined Dansk Folkeparti’s comeback, with the party gaining ground in southern and western Zealand and even squeezing out rivals like Danmarksdemokraterne.
DF’s rise was powered by a down-to-earth cost-of-living message—cheaper fuel and groceries—and a renewed appeal to rural areas that feel ignored by the big cities.
The 2026 election also confirmed a broader realignment: voters are drifting away from the old parties of power, and the era of dominant catch-all parties like the Social Democrats and Venstre looks to be ending.
In the longer run, that shift could open the door to a prime minister from outside the traditional S–V orbit.
Why it matters!
Denmark is moving from two dominant parties to a fragmented system where small parties can make or break governments. That makes coalitions harder to form and gives niche agendas outsized influence.
At the same time, a stronger rightward push—especially on immigration—is reshaping the political debate. The overall effect is tougher immigration politics and less predictable, more polarized governing.
Still curious? Read the full article here.
In other news
– Pressure from Enhedslisten’s base hangs over the negotiations
Mette Frederiksen signaled that a new government is most likely to be built on the left, but Lars Løkke Rasmussen says Moderaterne will block a quick deal if it depends on approval from Enhedslisten’s national executive. Enhedslisten insists its parliamentary group runs the negotiations, though party officials acknowledge the executive will weigh in, reflecting a long-running tension between member control and the need for fast, pragmatic deal-making. Read the full article here.
– Denmark’s central bank warns the government
According to Ritzau, Denmark’s economy is holding up well, Nationalbanken says, expecting 1.8% growth, rising employment, wages outpacing inflation and house prices up 6% in 2026. But it warns the Iran conflict could push energy prices up; in a worst-case scenario inflation could hit 4.5% and growth fall to about 1%. The bank urges the government not to spend all its fiscal headroom, given higher defence plans and a tight labour market.
– »But you don’t need to worry — I’ll be out of your hair as quickly as possible«
Ritzau reports that Novo Nordisk reappointed Lars Rebien Sørensen as chair for one more year, despite criticism that he also leads the controlling Novo Nordisk Foundation; because the foundation holds most of the voting power, his re-election was never in doubt. The company also added new board members (including Genmab CEO Jan van de Winkel) and brought in Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch as an observer, while Rebien Sørensen said his chairmanship is temporary—at most two to three years—and that he’ll step aside as soon as possible.
Talk of town: There’s something oddly refreshing about someone who’s completely free of main‑character syndrome
There’s something refreshing about Josva—no trace of main‑character syndrome, just taking things in his stride. But it’s hard to feel what’s really at stake for him as an artist.
Josva brought a mellow, low‑ego presence to Vega, delivering most of the set at an almost sleepy pace. Artigeardit’s surprise dash on ’Lonely’ briefly lifted the room, but the show never really found an edge.
In fact, the loudest spike in adrenaline came from fans celebrating Denmark’s 1–0 goal on a phone. Big-name moments never materialised: Annika was only heard, not seen, and Andreas Odbjerg didn’t show for ’I Made It.’
Musically, there were bright spots—especially the melodic tracks like ’Spiderman’ and ’Kalder hinanden for baby.’ Still, Josva didn’t quite step out as a fully fledged artist with real stakes; the gig largely drifted by.
Read the full review here.
This weekends itinerary
Where to eat?
It looks like a giant croissant, but it’s actually a cornetto stuffed with whipped-cream filling and pistachios. The perfect craving-killer if the wait until the next Fastelavn feels too long.
Ametà is a tiny, ambitious bakery in Valby Maskinfabrik, run by Italian Giuseppe and American Danie. They bake and brew everything themselves, mixing Italian breakfast classics with American-style sweets.
Standouts include big, airy focaccia sandwiches with beautifully balanced fillings and excellent bread.
The signature is a brioche-laminated pistachio cornetto stuffed with whipped cream—pure indulgence.
Coffee is well made, but the paper cups and flimsy seating feel like an unnecessary downgrade. Overall, it’s a quality-minded local gem that deserves more buzz, with only minor practical tweaks needed.
Read the full review here.
This newsletter features stories originally published in Danish. AI was used to shorten and translate the articles into English, after which a member of the editorial staff reviewed and refined the content.