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.

2005 election

On January 18, 2005 Rasmussen called a election for February 8, 2005. He delayed the call by a couple of weeks because of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake which killed many Danes. His government had been criticized by some Danes for what they thought was a slow response to that crisis, although a clear majority applauded the government's way of dealing with the disaster.

Related Topics:
January 18 - 2005 - Election - February 8 - 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake

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Although his party's vote did slip from the 2001 election, losing 4 seats, the Liberal party was able to maintain its coalition after the election through gains by other parties, and on February 18 Rasmussen formed the Cabinet of Anders Fogh Rasmussen II.

Related Topics:
February 18 - Cabinet of Anders Fogh Rasmussen II

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Rasmussen received the most "personal votes" of any politician in Denmark with 61,792.

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