Forming a new government across the middle has proven to be a challenging endeavour for Mette Frederiksen. 

Some 36 days have passed since the 2022 General Election was held on November 1 – the longest period of time needed to form a new government in modern Danish history.

And with no end to negotiations in sight, there is a real chance that Denmark won’t have a new government for the foreseeable future. 

READ ALSO: And then there were eight! Only four parties have so far exited Frederiksen’s negotiations to form a majority across the centre 

Smashing the competition
Previously, 1975 held the record, when negotiations lasted 35 days and ended up with Anker Jørgensen as PM.

In 1988, the negotiations lasted for 24 days and concluded with Poul Schlüter gaining the reins of power.

The first time Frederiksen became PM was also a lengthy affair – the politicians needed 20 days to figure it out in 2019.

And in 2011, the 18 days needed to pinpoint Helle Thorning-Schmidt as PM was the longest time needed in over two decades.