Danish PM’s party wins election

Government bloc returns to power but may need new coalition partner in parliament.

Denmark - elections — Voters responded to the Rasmussen government's strong economic record [AFP]

Near-complete results showed that Rasmussen may need the backing of New Alliance which was formed early this year.

Muslim immigrants issue

“We’ll incorporate the parties that have pointed at me to create the basis for the government,” he said.

Since 2001, the Liberal-Conservative has relied only on the support of the nationalist Danish People’s party (DPP).

New Alliance, headed by Syrian-born Naser Khader, is seeking to reduce the influence of the DPP, known for its hardline stance on immigrants, particularly Muslims.

With 99 per cent of votes officially counted, the government bloc had won 94 of the 179 seats in parliament – including New Alliance’s five.

The opposition had 81 seats.

Rasmussen, in power since 2001, campaigned on his strong economic record, arguing that the country’s robust economy with record low unemployment was the best guarantor of Danes’ cherished welfare state.
“We have had six years of economic growth and stability and we are asking voters for a new vote of confidence to continue our work,” he had said on Tuesday.

Source: News Agencies