Moderaterne (The Moderates / M)

EU RANK: 50 (Tier 2: High performance)

Moderaterne is a centrist, reformist party positioned between left and right, advocating pragmatic governance, pro-business policies with social progressivism, and strong EU engagement. Founded and led by former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the party secured 9.27% of the vote and 16 seats in its first 2022 election contest, immediately establishing itself as a significant political force. Moderaterne serves as key coalition partner in Prime Minister Frederiksen’s government, with Rasmussen serving as Foreign Minister, positioning the party as a centrist kingmaker bridging left-right political divides.

Disinformation and alternative media

Moderaterne relies on mainstream media channels, parliamentary communication, and digital platforms for political messaging. The party frames pragmatic reform, institutional modernization, and centrist consensus-building as core values. Our research indicates that the party has not been significantly involved in disinformation campaigns, maintaining a relatively centrist, institutionally-focused communication approach. The party does not control alternative media outlets and operates within mainstream democratic frameworks. Disinformation/alternative media risk is low.

Foreign influence and external alignments

Moderaterne is firmly pro-EU and supports robust multilateral cooperation on trade, security, and institutional matters. The party advocates European integration and strong transatlantic relationships. Foreign Minister Rasmussen’s leadership role reinforces Denmark’s pro-EU positioning. There is no evidence of financial or organizational ties to hostile foreign states. The party’s centrist, institutional positioning reflects commitment to established democratic and European frameworks. Foreign influence DMI risk is low.

Media capture, advertising and public service media

Moderaterne does not own major media assets. As a governmental coalition partner with institutional access, the party participates in standard democratic oversight of public broadcaster appointments and media governance. The party has not engaged in systematic media capture or attempted to politically restructure broadcasting institutions. Moderaterne maintains positions supporting editorial independence and public service broadcasting principles. Media capture DMI risk is low to medium.

Corruption, litigation and institutional integrity

Litigation records over 2015–2025 show no major corruption cases centered on Moderaterne’s national leadership. The party maintains standard financial reporting and transparency procedures. Moderaterne operates under consistent democratic governance principles and has not been implicated in significant institutional integrity violations. As a newly established party entering government, institutional integrity compliance has been maintained within standard frameworks. DMI corruption and institutional integrity risk is low.

Press freedom, harassment and treatment of media

Moderaterne supports public service broadcasting and maintains constructive relationships with media institutions. The party has not engaged in campaigns to delegitimize journalism or media institutions. While party figures may occasionally critique media coverage, this reflects standard political engagement rather than systematic pressure campaigns. The party operates within democratic norms regarding press relations and editorial independence. Press freedom and harassment DMI risk is low.

Dimension	Risk level	Short justification
Disinformation & alternative media	Low	Centrist party maintaining institutional communication approach; not involved in disinformation; mainstream focus.
Foreign influence & external alignments	Low	Firmly pro-EU, supports multilateral cooperation; no hostile foreign ties; institutional positioning.
Media capture & advertising / PSB control	Low–Medium	No media assets; governmental partner in PSB appointments; maintains editorial independence norms.
Corruption & institutional integrity risk	Low	No major scandals; recent party establishment; consistent democratic governance.
Press freedom & harassment of media	Low	Supports PSB; constructive media relations; no delegitimization campaigns; democratic norms maintained.