Det Konservative Folkeparti (Conservative People’s Party / KF)

EU RANK: 92 (Tier 3: Moderate Performance)

Det Konservative Folkeparti is a centre-right liberal-conservative party emphasizing traditional values, market-friendly economic policies, pro-EU orientation, and green conservatism. Led by Søren Pape Poulsen, the party secured 5.51% of the vote and 10 seats in 2022, significantly underperforming pre-election polling expectations. The Conservatives operate in opposition and have been weakened by personal scandals surrounding party leader Søren Pape Poulsen that have damaged public trust and institutional credibility.

Disinformation and alternative media

Det Konservative Folkeparti relies on mainstream media outlets and parliamentary communication for political messaging. The party frames conservative values, market liberalism, and environmental stewardship as core advocacy areas. Our research indicates that the party has not been significantly involved in disinformation campaigns, though party leader Søren Pape Poulsen’s personal scandals have dominated media coverage and affected public perception. The party does not control alternative media outlets. Disinformation/alternative media risk is low.

Foreign influence and external alignments

Det Konservative Folkeparti maintains pro-EU positioning and supports European institutional cooperation and market integration. The party is aligned with centre-right European political movements and maintains positions supporting European democratic frameworks. There is no evidence of financial or organizational ties to hostile foreign states. The party’s conservative liberal positioning reflects commitment to established European institutions. Foreign influence DMI risk is low.

Media capture, advertising and public service media

Det Konservative Folkeparti does not own major media assets. As an opposition party without governmental influence, the Conservatives’ role in media governance remains limited to standard parliamentary participation and policy advocacy. The party has not engaged in systematic media capture attempts. However, party leader Poulsen’s personal scandals have dominated media attention, affecting the party’s policy communication and institutional visibility. Media capture DMI risk is low.

Corruption, litigation and institutional integrity

Party leader Søren Pape Poulsen has faced serious institutional integrity challenges that have severely damaged the party’s credibility and public trust. Poulsen made false public claims about his husband Josu Medina Vásquez’s background, falsely stating he was Jewish and the nephew of former Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina. These fabrications were exposed through media investigation, prompting Poulsen’s announcement of divorce and resulting in steep polling declines for both Poulsen and the party. Additionally, while serving as Justice Minister, Poulsen held undisclosed meetings with Dominican officials in 2018 without informing Denmark’s foreign ministry, violating diplomatic protocol. Before the scandals, Poulsen’s trust ratings were approximately 49%; they fell to approximately 31% after the revelations. The party maintains standard financial reporting. DMI corruption and institutional integrity risk is high.

Press freedom, harassment and treatment of media

Det Konservative Folkeparti has not engaged in systematic campaigns to delegitimize media institutions or journalists. However, party leader Poulsen has occasionally criticized media coverage, which reflects standard political engagement. The party operates within democratic norms regarding press relations, though Poulsen’s scandals have generated extensive media scrutiny and investigative reporting that has dominated coverage. Press freedom and harassment DMI risk is low.

Dimension	Risk level	Short justification
Disinformation & alternative media	Low	Centre-right party; no alt-media control; party leader scandals dominate coverage but not disinformation-related.
Foreign influence & external alignments	Low	Pro-EU, supports European cooperation; no hostile foreign ties; centre-right alignment.
Media capture & advertising / PSB control	Low	No media assets; opposition position limits governance influence; scandals affect visibility.
Corruption & institutional integrity risk	High	Party leader Poulsen’s false biographical claims about spouse and undisclosed diplomat meetings; severe credibility damage.
Press freedom & harassment of media	Low	No delegitimization campaigns; standard political engagement; extensive media scrutiny of leader.