Danish Deputy Prime Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen announces his resignation

On October 23, Danish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jakob Ellemann-Jensen announced his resignation and withdrawal from politics. He is also the Chairman of the Freedom Party (Venstre), a partner in the ruling coalition in Denmark.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Ellemann-Jensen announced that he would step down as chairman of the Venstre party. This decision also led to his resignation as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance and leader of the Venstre party, one of the three partners in the ruling coalition formed after the November 2022 general election. He also resigned as a member of the Danish Parliament.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, also a member of the Venstre party, will temporarily replace Mr Elleman-Jensen as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economics and Finance. Meanwhile, Venstre Vice President Stephanie Lose will temporarily replace him as party leader.

Mr. Ellemann-Jensen took over the role of Venstre chairman in 2019. It is known that poor health was the main obstacle during Mr. Ellemann-Jensen's tenure and he only returned to work last August after 6 months of rest.

Support for the Venstre party has fallen significantly in recent times, with poll results in October falling to an all-time low.

Sharing on Facebook, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed regret over Mr. Ellemann-Jensen's decision to withdraw from politics and thanked him for his cooperation during his term.

Mr Ellemann-Jensen's withdrawal did not trigger a by-election, but the Venstre party appointed his replacement in parliament and maintained its role as a partner in the ruling coalition.

The Venstre Party will also hold a congress in November and will likely elect a new president at this congress.