A democratic-socialist party pushing for green transition and stronger public services. Typically backs the Social Democrats from opposition.
About the party
SF (Socialistisk Folkeparti, the Socialist People's Party) was founded in 1958 by Aksel Larsen as a democratic alternative to Soviet communism. Under Pia Olsen Dyhr's steady leadership since 2014, the party has rediscovered its identity. The 24 March 2026 election result of 11.6 per cent and 20 seats was the party's best Folketing performance since 2007 and established SF as the second-largest party in the red bloc.
Historical milestones
1958Founded by Aksel Larsen after his expulsion from the Communist Party, as a democratic socialist alternative.
1966"The Red Cabinet" — SF's first major parliamentary influence on a Social Democrat government.
2011Entered government with Socialdemokratiet and Radikale Venstre — ended with an exit over the Dong Energy affair in 2014.
2014Pia Olsen Dyhr took over a party in crisis and began a major rebuilding effort.
2024Historic European Parliament result: 17.4 per cent — Denmark's largest party at the EU elections.
202611.6% and 20 seats — the party's best Folketing result since 2007.
Typical voter profile
Well-educated academics, women, and younger voters. Strongest in major cities, particularly Copenhagen. The EP election result demonstrated the ability to mobilise far more broadly.
Election history
201914 seats
202215 seats
202620 seats
Key policy areas
Core issue
Children's and young people's well-being
SF's top priority: combating mental health problems, loneliness, and distress among children and young people. Minimum staffing ratios in daycare institutions.
Core issue
Climate and nature
"SF puts the climate first." A carbon-neutral Denmark ten years ahead of schedule. A pesticide ban and an emergency ocean-environment plan passed in the 2024 budget.
High priority
Welfare and equality
A wealth tax, a millionaire's tax, and stronger benefits for the elderly and vulnerable. Redistribution is SF's historic core identity.
Key issue
Restoring Store Bededag
SF is fighting to restore the Store Bededag public holiday, which the SVM government abolished in 2023. Workers received no compensation.
Key issue
Gender equality and feminism
Earmarked paternity leave, closing the gender pay gap, strong LGBTQ+ policies, and global solidarity with women and minorities.
Positions on policy topics
Wants to abolish the paradigm shift and treat asylum seekers more humanely and in line with international law.
Wants to go faster than the 70% target and demands binding climate plans for all sectors.
Wants to raise the top tax rate and increase redistribution. Believes the public sector is underfunded and needs more.
Wants significantly more investment in the public sector -- shorter working hours, better staffing ratios and more time for the individual citizen.
Positive towards EU cooperation but wants a more social and green EU. Critical of NATO as the dominant security guarantor.
Prioritises prevention and social intervention over punishment. Rehabilitation over long prison sentences.
Wants far more affordable social housing and stronger tenant rights against speculative landlords.
A stronger public school is a top priority. Wants fewer pupils per class and more time for each child.
Wants to halt the emergence of a two-tier health system. Wants more staff and dedicated home-care teams for the elderly.
Backs support for Ukraine but is sceptical of rapid military build-up and wants to prioritise diplomatic solutions in parallel.
Wants to impose social and environmental requirements on businesses and opposes deregulation that weakens workers' rights.
Wants to introduce a 30-hour working week and strengthen union rights. Wants a minimum wage level that allows a decent life.
Wants far better staffing ratios and shorter working hours for care staff. A public elderly care system worth being part of.
Wants strong regulation of AI and tech companies and prioritises privacy protection and climate considerations.
Key politicians
Challenges and criticism
Regeringsperioden 2011–2014 viste, at SF har svært ved at fastholde kernemærkesager i en bred koalitionsregering. Dong-sagen skadte troværdigheden markant.
Spørgsmålet om fremtidigt regeringssamarbejde med Moderaterne splitter SF's bagland, der er skeptisk over for Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
Sources
sf.dklex.dk – "Socialistisk Folkeparti"faktalink.dk – "Socialistisk Folkeparti"da.wikipedia.org