One of the oldest parties in parliament. Combines lower corporate tax, strong defence and traditional values with fiscal responsibility.
About the party
Det Konservative Folkeparti (the Conservative People's Party) was founded in 1916 and is one of Denmark's oldest and most historically significant centre-right parties. Its heyday under Prime Minister Poul Schluter (1982-1993) was followed by decades of decline and leadership changes. The sudden death of Soren Pape in 2024 plunged the party into a new period of uncertainty, now under Mona Juul's leadership.
Historical milestones
1916Founded as a modernisation of the old Hoejre (Right) party, with private property rights and defence as core values.
1982Poul Schluter — the party's only prime minister to date — began a historic period in office.
2019Soren Pape doubled the seat count to 12 — the party's strongest result in decades.
2024The sudden death of Soren Pape in March 2024. Mona Juul elected as new leader.
20267.6% and 13 seats under Mona Juul's leadership.
Typical voter profile
The centre-right middle class, business owners, and families. Strongest in North Zealand and the affluent suburbs. Historically rooted among academics and the traditional bourgeoisie.
Election history
201912 seats
202210 seats
202613 seats
Key policy areas
Core issue
Justice and public safety
"Law and order" is the core. Harsher and swifter sentences, a strengthened police force, resolute action against gang crime, and a focus on the rule of law.
Core issue
Defence and NATO
Strong defence backing. Full support for Ukraine and the agreed target of 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence. One of the most consistent advocates of Danish military rearmament.
High priority
Business policy and taxation
Remove the cap on the employment deduction, abolish inheritance tax, and create favourable conditions for business. "It must pay to work."
Key issue
Tradition and cultural heritage
"Change in order to preserve." Respect for private property rights, the strong family as society's foundation, and the preservation of Danish cultural heritage and the monarchy.
Positions on policy topics
Has backed most tightening measures and wants to strengthen requirements for cultural adaptation.
Pro-climate targets with a focus on nuclear power as a long-term solution and market-based instruments.
Wants to cut corporation tax, abolish inheritance tax and stimulate private investment.
Wants to preserve core welfare services but open up for more choice and private providers.
Clearly pro-NATO and wants massive investment in defence. Critical of supranational EU regulation that undermines business.
Wants to increase sentences significantly and give the police better resources and powers.
Supports the homeowner tax deduction and wants to make it easier for young people to enter the housing market.
Wants high academic standards in schools and the freedom to choose private or independent schools.
Wants to open up for more private healthcare and competition as a supplement to the public system.
Defence and NATO are the absolute top priority. Wants to reach 3.5% of GDP on defence as quickly as possible and send more aid to Ukraine.
Lower corporate tax, better start-up conditions and deregulation are the core identity. Wants to make Denmark the best country in which to run a business.
Wants to give employers more flexibility and reduce state and collective-agreement regulation.
Wants to ensure freedom of choice and private alternatives as a supplement to the public system.
Supports digital transformation with a focus on cybersecurity and Danish competitiveness.
Key politicians
Challenges and criticism
Liberal Alliance har overtaget store dele af den rene liberale stemme, og Danmarksdemokraterne konkurrerer om de nationalt-konservative vælgere, hvilket gør det svært for K at finde et unikt politisk rum.
Søren Papes uventede død efterlod partiet uden sin stærkeste politiske kapital: en folkelig og karismatisk leder med bred appel.
Sources
konservative.dklex.dk – "Det Konservative Folkeparti"faktalink.dk – "Det Konservative Folkeparti"da.wikipedia.org