Anders Fogh Rasmussen

Anders Fogh Rasmussen (born January 26, 1953 in Ginnerup, Jutland) is the current Prime Minister of Denmark. His Liberal (Venstre) Party won power in the November 2001 election, defeating the government of Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and enabling him to form the Cabinet of Anders Fogh Rasmussen I. That election marked a dramatic change in Danish politics. It was the first time since 1920 that the Social Democratic Party lost its position as the largest party in the Folketing (parliament). Since then, the Liberal Party has operated in coalition with the Conservative People's Party to form a minority government, surviving the 2005 election. Rasmussen's government's agenda is significantly more right wing than has been the case in Denmark for a long time. He is in favour of deregulation, privatization, and limiting the size of government. His government has also enacted tough measures designed to limit the number of immigrants coming to Denmark.

Related Topics:
January 26 - 1953 - Ginnerup - Jutland - Prime Minister - Denmark - Venstre - 2001 election - Poul Nyrup Rasmussen - Cabinet of Anders Fogh Rasmussen I - Election - 1920 - Social Democrat - Folketing - Conservative People's Party - Minority government - 2005 election - Right wing - Deregulation - Privatization - Immigrant

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He was born in 1953 and has been active in politics all his life. He has held numerous positions in government and opposition throughout his career, first winning a seat in the Folketing in 1978. From 1987-1990 he was Minister for Taxation and from 1990 Minister for Economy and Taxation in the Conservative-led Poul Schlüter government. In 1992 Rasmussen resigned from his ministerial posts after a court of enquiry had decided that he had provided the Folketing with inaccurate and incomplete information. Rasmussen disagreed with the findings of the commission, but faced with the threat of a no-confidence motion, he decided to leave his posts voluntarily.

Related Topics:
1953 - 1978 - Poul Schlüter

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Rasmussen held the rotating presidency of the European Union from July to December 2002 during which he proved his dedication to a pro-EU agenda and the guiding principles of the Ellemann-Jensen-Doctrine.

Related Topics:
European Union - 2002 - Ellemann-Jensen-Doctrine

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Mr. Fogh Rasmussen is the author of numerous books. He has three children.

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