The Danish People’s Party

Abstract

The Danish People’s Party is the successful splinter party of the Progress Party. It was created by Pia Kjærsgaard and collaborators in 1996. Traditional party membership, public financing, and a high degree of centralization and party discipline characterize the party organization, while their political programme emphasizes less immigration and integration, less EU integration, more law and order, and welfare chauvinism. Their electoral success has affected government formation and policies. They have provided the parliamentary base for a centre-right government and gained political concessions, particularly on the immigration and integration field. While aiming to become an influential party, they did not enter into government when they became the largest party right of centre in 2015. Their marked electoral decline in 2019 leaves a number of questions concerning their future political position and influence.