COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Thursday that she had scheduled this year’s general election for March 24, against a backdrop of tensions with both the United States and Russia. The vote comes at a time when Denmark’s relationship with the United States — which Copenhagen considers its closest ally — has been strained over US President Donald Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland. “Dear Danes, today I have asked His Majesty the King to call an election for the Folketing,” Denmark’s parliament, Frederiksen told the house. “Whether I will continue to be your prime minister depends on how strong a mandate you give the Social Democrats in the parliamentary election to be held on March 24, 2026,” she added. Under the Danish system, Frederiksen had to call an election within four years of the last, which was held on November 1, 2022. Frederiksen took the opportunity to present the outlines of her election platform, which included a reform of the retirement age and the introduction of a wealth tax.