Reuters quoted diplomats as saying that Ms. Frederiksen, 45, has emerged as a potential leading candidate to replace NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Mr. Stoltenberg is expected to step down as NATO leader in September this year.
Last week, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised Ms Frederiksen: "I could spend a lot of time saying good things about Mette Frederiksen. She is one of Europe's most talented leaders and has great respect in the bloc."
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Photo: Bloomberg
Known as the "tough lady", Ms. Frederiksen has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia launched a special military operation in February last year, and has visited Ukraine three times since February 2022. She is also Denmark's youngest ever prime minister when she took office in 2019.
When the Nord Stream pipeline exploded in Danish waters last September, Ms Frederiksen responded by forming a rare coalition, arguing that political unity was needed at a time of global uncertainty.
In February this year, Ms Frederiksen insisted on scrapping a public holiday to free up funds for increased defence spending.
Denmark has long lagged in defence spending and is under pressure to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) – a key target for NATO member states – making it difficult for Ms Frederiksen to become a candidate for NATO secretary general.
Last December, Ms. Frederiksen and the Danish government moved their plan to meet the NATO target to 2030. Last week, Denmark announced major defense investments over the next 10 years and increased military aid to Ukraine, which the government said would help it temporarily meet the NATO target this year and next.
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