Despite losses in the EU parliamentary election, Venstre shows strength. Venstre seems to maintain its position as the largest center-right party in the EU parliamentary election, even though the party is set to have its four seats halved to two. According to the latest forecasts, Venstre is expected to achieve approximately 15 percent of the votes, making them the largest center-right party, surpassed only by SF (Socialist People’s Party) and the Social Democrats. Despite the reduced representation in the European Parliament, there was a festive atmosphere at Venstre as leader Troels Lund Poulsen was celebrated at the party’s election party. Poulsen expressed great relief and joy over the result and highlighted the party’s ability to withstand adversity. “Many have wanted to count Venstre out. They have done so in many ways. But we have once again proven that Venstre is a strong party, a historic party,” he said.
Venstre’s lead candidate, Morten Løkkegaard, who was the biggest vote-getter in the 2019 election, reiterated his previous statement: “We did it.” Løkkegaard pointed out the challenges the party has faced since the last election, including the departures of former leader Lars Løkke Rasmussen and former vice-chairman Inger Støjberg, both of whom have formed new parties. The campaign has also been marked by media stories about candidates’ possible Russian connections. Alexandra Sasha withdrew as a candidate after stories about her possible Russian ties emerged, and Ulla Tørnæs’ husband has been in the spotlight due to his Russian business dealings. Tørnæs is number three on Venstre’s list, with Asger Christensen as number two and Løkkegaard as the lead candidate.
It will be interesting to see whether it is Tørnæs or Christensen who ends up joining Løkkegaard in the European Parliament once the personal votes are counted. The outcome of the election marks an important milestone for Venstre, which continues to be a strong force in Danish politics despite the internal and external challenges the party has faced.