The political right-wing profile Pia Kjærsgaard, who founded the nationalist party Danish People's Party (DF), will leave the parliament after over 40 years.
When Denmark goes to the polls next time – which is to take place no later than autumn 2026 – the 77-year-old will not stand for re-election.
One should stop when one is loved and respected, she says to Danish TV2.
I feel very loved by my supporters and by the party. And also by a good part of the population, I would like to say. That's the way it is now. After 40 years in Christiansborg.
Pia Kjærsgaard had previously worked within home care when she was elected to the parliament in 1984, then for the right-wing populist and more tax-policy-oriented Progress Party. In 1995, she left the party and formed DF, which for a long time was one of Denmark's largest parties with a greater focus on strict immigration criticism.
Kjærsgaard resigned as party leader in 2012. Since 2018, the party's support has decreased and it is currently at around five percent in the polls.
