Anders Fogh Rasmussen

Anders Fogh Rasmussen

Anders Fogh Rasmussen (born 26 January, 1953) is the current Prime Minister of Denmark. His Liberal (Venstre) Party won power in the November 2001 election, defeating the government of Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. That election marked a dramatic change in Danish politics. It was the first time since 1920 that the Social Democratic Party lost its position as the largest party in the Folketing (parliament). The Liberal Party operates in coalition with the Conservative People's Party to form a minority government. Rasmussen's government's agenda is significantly more right wing than has been the case in Denmark for a long time. He is in favour of deregulation, privatization, and limiting the size of government. His government has also enacted tough measures designed to limit the number of immigrants coming to Denmark.

He was born in 1953 and has been active in politics all of his life. He has held numerous positions in government and opposition throughout his career, first winning a seat in 1978. He held the rotating presidency of the European Union from July to December 2002. Mr. Rasmussen is the author of numerous books.

As Prime Minister, Rasmussen strongly supported the American war in Iraq . As in most European countries he faced considerable opposition, but recent (July 2003) opinion polls suggest a slim majority of Danes support his position. One vocal opponent poured red paint on him during the lead up to the war.