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Winston
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Danmark
Mar 1999
time: 06:30
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... in 3 hours from now, that is. 
The commentators and media here seem in agreement that at 13:00 this afternoon, Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen will announce in Parliament that general elections are to be held, presumably sometime in the beginning of February.
Fogh Rasmussen formed a coalition liberal-conservative government following the historic November 2001 elections, in which for the first time since 1920, the Social Democrats were no longer the party with the most voters behind them. Fogh Rasmussen's Venstre gained 31.3%, the Social Democrats 29.1%.
Since then, the current government has been succesful in totally dominating the political agenda, emphasizing issues of values (e.g. immigration, quality of schools, defense of individual rights) alongside traditional policy areas of an economic nature, such as taxation, the allocation of wealth and the direction of the modern welfare state.
Among its notable succeses are a distinct decline in the number of third world immigrants entering the country, a full stop on any increase in taxes and excises, hosting a succesful EU summit that paved the way for the recent 10 country expansion, and, as one of not too many European nations, joining and steadily supporting the international coalition in Iraq, managing to gain and keep wide popular support for the decision as well. The cabinet also prepared and is about to pass an ambitious municipal reform, the first in a generation, which will result in somewhat larger municipal units than today, and also better enable the efficient administration of public services such as hospitals, schools, roads, the environment and other public works.
Current opinion polls overwhelmingly point to another election victory for Fogh Rasmussen and his ruling coalition, recently indicating an overall gain for the government parties and its supporting, right wing populist partner.
Elections have to be held no later than November of this year, but the Prime Minister will most likely want to ask for a renewed mandate before passing the complex reform of the municipal system I mentioned.
Should be a ball. Of course, if he doesn't announce it today, this thread will serve for rightfully ridiculing crazy Winston, for being sooo sure of this that he just couldn't wait. But just wait and see.. 
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Winston
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Danmark
Mar 1999
time: 06:30
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Thank you, thank you.
Although I do wish you wouldn't contaminate this fine thread like that, with images likely to scare the crap out of ordinary, peaceful people.
A little information on the parties:
Current number of seats in the Danish Parliament, Folketinget:
54 - Venstre - Liberals, emphasis on individual rights, strongly pro-EU, believes in decentralisation and free markets, leads present government
(2) - Non-affiliates, formerly members of Venstre's group
52 - Socialdemokraterne - Social Democrats, like most Social Democrats
22 - Dansk Folkeparti - Danish People's Party, right wing populists, akin to Social Democrats on some welfare issues, anti-EU, supports present government
16 - Det Konservative Folkeparti - Conservatives, like most Conservative parties, in present government
12 - Socialistisk Folkeparti - Socialist People's Party, emphasis on decentralisation, party recently turned more pro-EU
9 - Det Radikale Venstre - Social-liberals, attracts academics, mostly of big cities, fiscally non-socialist, pro-EU, opposes restrictions on immigration
4 - Kristendemokraterne - Christian Democrats, emphasis on family issues, somewhat pro-EU, but not overly enthusiastic, supported forming of present government
4 - Enhedslisten - Far-left Socialists, you know the drill, pretty much opposed to everything
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2 - seats elected in Faroe Islands, 1 in support of present government, 1 opposed
2 - seats elected in Greenland, 1 in support of present government, 1 opposed
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179 total, 90 required for majority
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Monk
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I don't think we're in Brønshøj anymore
Jan 1970
time: 06:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Stefu
Got any election selectors? |
You mean those online tests to see which party you agree with? I can think of a single one. I suppose I could do a quick translation of the questions if you'd like.
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Monk
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I don't think we're in Brønshøj anymore
Jan 1970
time: 06:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Winston
If it's the one on DR, that's a really terrible one BTW. |
That's the one, it turns out. From looking over it, I'll agree it's a poor show, so Stefu will have to continue measuring Danish politicians from their looks and last names.
According to everybody's favourite tabloid, Fogh called the election with the intention of 'destroying' his opponent. They managed to find a picture of post-goatee Lykketoft where he looks like a deer in headlights.
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Thue
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Jan 1970
time: 06:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Giancarlo
Yeah that's real reasonable and sensible.. call elections right when the opposition is in trouble, and don't allow for sufficient campaigning. |
I agree - it is a misuse of the system. I will be voting for radikale venstre (radical left!), who incidentially are also against calling elections like that.
(Though they are named radical left! they are a mainstream center party, with an strong idealistic streak.)
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Monk
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I don't think we're in Brønshøj anymore
Jan 1970
time: 06:30
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I like the thought that our PM doesn't have to beg for permission from a couple of center parties with five seats each before he's able to do anything.
Which in turn brings us to...
quote:
Originally posted by Thue
I agree - it is a misuse of the system. |
Undoubtedly there's potential for abuse. However, the option of calling a new election may provide for a way out of deadlocked parlaimentary issues which is highly relevant given our tradition for minority governments.
Of course it does require the government will actually do so when, say, the opposition starts conducting national foreign policy.
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18-01-2005 13:50
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