Danish Conservatives leader steps down as backing fades - Summary

Thu, 13 Jan 2011

Copenhagen- Danish Foreign Minister Lene Espersen gave up her position as leader of the country's Conservative party Thursday as it became clear the party's mood was turning against her.

Broadcaster TV2 News reported earlier in the day that parliament members at a meeting had said they did not support her as leader, and would seek to persuade her to step down. Similar calls have recently been made by party faithful in various districts.

Likely contenders to replace Espersen, who was abroad, were Justice Minister Lars Barfoed or Brian Mikkelsen, minister for economics. A party vote is expected for Friday.

However, Espersen plans to keep her ministerial position, which she only assumed 11 months ago, until national elections, which must be held no later than November.

Judging from recent polls, the Conservatives risk losing half their voter support, compared to the 2007 polls when they garnered 10 per cent.

Espersen, 45, was named party leader in 2008. She is Denmark's first female foreign minister.

She was roundly criticized for opting to go on holiday with her family instead of attending an Arctic summit in March 2010, missing an opportunity to meet with US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The Liberal Party and the Conservative Party have cooperated since 2001. The minority government has relied on support from the populist Danish People's Party ever since the two parties formed their coalition.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/362220,backing-fades-summary.html.