The right-wing populist parties in Scandinavia – the organisation and leadership of the Danish People’s Party

Abstract

Since its emergence in 1995 the Danish People’s Party has become the second biggest political party in Denmark. The popularity of the DPP has also played an important role in the emergence and growth in popularity of the right-wing populist parties in the rest of Scandinavia. One of the most important factors that contributed to the growth in the popularity of the DPP has been the specific organisation of the party based on the charismatic leadership of its leaders Pia Kjærsgaard and Kristian Thulesen Dahl. The hierarchical structure of the right-wing populist parties combined with the party discipline enables the parties to react quickly to changing social attitudes, and as a result, to attract new voters.