Voters in Tønder Municipality have delivered a surprising verdict. Despite facing multiple police investigations related to his pig farm, Mayor Jørgen Popp Petersen has secured another term. His Schleswig Party emerged as the clear winner in local elections, demonstrating remarkable resilience amid controversy.
The Schleswig Party captured 25.7 percent of votes, a substantial 12.4 percentage point increase since the last municipal election. This makes them the largest party in Tønder Council. The result defied expectations that the police investigations would damage the mayor's political standing.
Jørgen Popp Petersen confirmed he will continue as mayor during a presentation of the coalition agreement. The agreement includes all parties except the Danish People's Party. He stated simply, "It is with the undersigned as continuing mayor."
This outcome continues a remarkable political story that began four years ago. Popp Petersen made history when he secured the first mayor position for the Schleswig Party since 1946. The party represents the German minority in Southern Jutland, making his initial victory particularly significant for minority politics in Denmark.
The election results show interesting shifts in Tønder's political landscape. The Tønder List became the second-largest party with 18.8 percent support, though this represented a 10.2 percentage point decline. The Danish People's Party saw gains, reaching 9.4 percent support, up 6.6 points from the previous election. Venstre registered minimal growth at 17.4 percent, just 0.3 points higher than last time.
The police investigations stemmed from eight separate reports filed between 2019 and 2024. These followed inspections by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration at Popp Petersen's pig farm near Løgumkloster. The mayor subsequently sold his pig herd but refused to step down when the investigations became public in September.
At that time, Popp Petersen presented the case to the municipal council and declared, "I am not the type who runs from the position, and I will remain as mayor." His determination appears to have paid off with voters, who either dismissed the investigations as unimportant or valued his leadership enough to overlook the controversy.
What does this mean for Danish minority politics? The Schleswig Party's continued success demonstrates the enduring importance of regional identity in border areas. It also shows that local voters prioritize practical governance over political scandals when they trust their local representatives.
The election outcome raises questions about how Danish voters evaluate political leadership. Apparently, some constituents distinguish between personal business matters and public service performance. The mayor's ability to maintain support despite serious allegations suggests either strong local loyalty or effective damage control.
Looking ahead, Popp Petersen faces the challenge of governing while police investigations remain active. His coalition-building skills will be tested as he works with multiple parties. The results also indicate shifting allegiances in this border region, with traditional parties losing ground to local lists and minority representation.