Denmark

Carina Saxlund Bischoff, Karina Kosiara-Pedersen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Enhedslisten–de rød-grønne (‘Red-Green Alliance’) is the only decidedly radical left party currently represented in the Danish party system. Enhedslisten has historical roots in political conflicts and parties present at the beginning of the twentieth century. In its current form, however, it came into being when three parties on the far left decided to merge in 1989. Prior to the election of 2011, its strongly leftist political message barely won it enough support to get into parliament. Since then, however, it has consistently garnered 7–8 per cent of the vote and has become a player to be reckoned with in the parliamentary arena. Enhedslisten primarily appeals to younger voters, to big city-dwellers and public sector employees. It attracts voters with a strong left as well as green ideology. In parliament, the party has supported centre-left governments led by the Social Democrats, and also entered into political agreements reflecting an increasing degree of pragmatism. Its successes are not only political, but also organisational. Notwithstanding its origins as first a collaboration and then merger of three distinct parties, and the (limited) institutionalised factionalism reflected in its organisational structure, it has achieved a remarkable degree of unity. It has resisted trends towards greater centralisation of power and generally retained commitment to internal democratic processes.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Palgrave Handbook of Radical Left Parties in Europe
EditorsFabien Escalona, Daniel Keith, Luke March
Number of pages28
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Publication date2023
Edition1
Pages145-172
Chapter6
ISBN (Print)9781137562630
ISBN (Electronic)9781137562647
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

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