Danish Deputy Prime Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen made a surprise announcement on Monday, revealing his decision to retire from the political arena.
This unexpected move comes just a few months after he returned from a six-month leave, citing stress and overwork as the reasons for his departure.
Ellemann-Jensen, who also serves as the Economy Minister, officially declared his resignation during a press conference held on Monday, stating, “I am quitting Danish politics completely and permanently today.”
His departure also signifies the end of his tenure as the leader of the liberal Venstre party, a pivotal member of Denmark’s ruling coalition.
The Venstre party has recently experienced a decline in opinion poll ratings following its participation in the coalition government led by Social Democrat Mette Frederiksen. Ellemann-Jensen acknowledged his part in this setback, noting that his strong personality overshadowed the party’s performance in government and had become an impediment to their progress.
In light of these challenges, he stated, “Therefore, I am taking the consequences now and stepping down as chairman.”
Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, who has been a Member of Parliament since 2011, re-emerged in the political scene in August after a six-month leave, which he had taken at the recommendation of his doctor to recover from stress and overwork.
In his absence, the responsibility of his government duties will be taken over by party colleague and Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. Meanwhile, Venstre’s Vice Chairman, Stephanie Lose, will assume organizational duties for the party until the election of a new party leader, scheduled to take place at the party’s annual conference in November.
Ellemann-Jensen’s sudden departure from Danish politics has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape, leaving Venstre party members and political analysts speculating about the party’s future and the direction of the ruling coalition.
His announcement is set to reshape the political dynamics in Denmark as the nation prepares for the upcoming leadership transition.
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