Danish elections threaten Rasmussen's grip on power

Opposition posters abound

But the Folkeparti could hold a valuable share of parliamentary seats.

It expects to win about 10 per cent of Tuesday’s ballots, and the prime minister has warned of “a terrible risk that Denmark will be ruled by the far right after the election.”

The Folkeparti has run on a promise to halt admission of refugees. Its candidates have adopted a baldly anti-Muslim tone, as well, playing on public fears that have simmered since the terrorist attacks in the United States in September.

Keeping it Danish

Much as Nyrup Rasmussen’s supporters have blamed September 11 for the latest anti-foreign sentiment, it is related to older trends in Danish politics.

In a previous blow to the prime minister, the country narrowly voted against adopting the Euro just 14 months ago. It was a big victory for nationalists.

Nyrup Rasmussen had campaigned hard for Denmark to join the Euro-zone, but was outdone by opposition forces campaigning to preserve the national currency, the Krone.

The currency vote was a purely symbolic loss for the government. The Krone was already pegged to the Euro, and remains so today.

But a loss for Nyrup Rasmussen this time around would be no mere symbol.

He has been in office longer than any other European premier but this time may have trouble hanging on.