Ole Blickfeldt experienced a dramatic political reversal after Denmark's local elections. The Denmark Democrats member celebrated his re-election in Lejre municipality, but his victory proved short-lived. Party leader Inger Støjberg had issued a clear directive during the campaign. No party member could support a red mayor where a blue majority existed.
Blickfeldt faced expulsion after backing Mikael Ralf Baade Larsen from the Socialist People's Party. His vote helped secure Larsen's position as Lejre's new mayor. The veteran politician described his exclusion as deeply disappointing. He called the move unworthy and far below the belt.
The Denmark Democrats sent Blickfeldt an email notification hours before the announcement aired on television. Party officials maintained their decision without offering further comments. Blickfeldt insists he violated no party rules. He argues no viable blue majority existed to support a conservative mayor.
Party guidelines apparently allow supporting red mayors when no blue majority exists. Members can back opposition candidates if they advance Denmark Democrat policies. Blickfeldt claims this exact scenario justified his actions. He intended to push through his party's agenda through strategic cooperation.
The expelled politician describes an emotionally challenging week following his re-election. He acknowledges his political experience but admits vulnerability to pressure. Blickfeldt claims Støjberg successfully undermined his position despite his commitment to party values. His core principles remain unchanged despite the expulsion.
Local election results show 17 of 25 council members supported Larsen's mayoral bid. Blickfeldt contributed to this majority with his decisive vote. He received 172 personal votes during the election. The ousted politician will continue serving as a council member without party affiliation.
Danish politics frequently features strict party discipline, but expulsions over single votes remain relatively uncommon. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within Denmark's political landscape regarding coalition building and party loyalty. Local councils often require cross-party cooperation since single parties rarely secure absolute majorities.
This case demonstrates the practical challenges Danish politicians face when balancing party directives with local governance realities. Blickfeldt's situation illustrates how municipal politics sometimes demands flexibility despite national party positions. His continued council membership without party backing will test whether independent voices can influence local decision-making.
The expulsion raises questions about party autonomy versus representative democracy. Voters elected Blickfeldt based on his platform and values. His removal from the party potentially creates tension between his mandate and party discipline. The situation reflects broader European trends where traditional party structures face challenges from local political realities.