Today Helle Thorning-Schmidt stood down as Prime Minister of Denmark and leader of the Social Democratic party after her coalition government lost last night's election in Denmark. In her resignation speech, Denmark's first ever female Prime Minister said “every single day the responsibility has been mine. I stand by the decisions I have made… I am Denmark’s first female prime minister, but I won’t be the last.”

After yesterday's election, the Danish People’s party (DPP) became the second biggest force in parliament, nearly doubling their support to 21% of the overall vote. However, in a bizarre twist of events, the DPP is still undecided as whether or not they will enter a formal coalition with Liberals (who came third), but the DPP has agreed they will support any Government the Liberals form. This now paves the way for Lars Løkke Rasmussen, former Prime Minister and leader of the Liberals, to become Prime Minister once again, propped up by support in Parliament from the DPP.

This is worrying news for developing countries, as before polling opened, the Liberals ran on a promise that they would cut their aid and development budget.

Currently Denmark is one of only five countries that meets the 1970 UN recommendation to spend at least 0.7% of gross national income on international aid and development, along with Sweden, Luxembourg, Norway and the United Kingdom.

As one of the first countries to deliver on this 45 year old promise, Denmark's contribution to ending extreme poverty is a shining example of how a prosperous nation can help those around the world that need it the most. But with these election results, and promise of development budget cuts, I wonder for how long will they continue to keep their promise?


Editorial

Demand Equity

Danish Prime Minister Resigns

By Paul Abernethy