support for a Social Dem-led government if doing so would let the centre-right remain in power. Polls project the party to double its representation in parliament, which could make it all the more decisive come election day. Key issues: rolling back strict immigration regulations, better unemployment benefits, hospitals, climate Weakness: far-left profile, internal divisions With the economy the dominant issue in this election, the Liberal-Conservative government is hoping that it can convince voters they are best at steering us back to prosperity. But hanging on to power will require them to show that they can renew themselves after 10 years in government. Here, we look at the parties that have ruled the land since 2001. Azuis (atual governo) Liberals (Venstre) "V" Leader: Lars Lkke Rasmussen 2007 Results: 46 seats (-6); 26.2% Even if the PMs Liberals manage to win more votes than the Social Democrats, theres no guarantee the party will be able to form a government after the election. The Liberals appear to have lost their allyin the Conservatives, and the Danish Peoples Party could wind up losing seats for the first time ever. The chances of a Liberal victory are looking increasingly unlikely. After seeing the party rule for ten years, voters appear ready to hand power back to the centre-left. The partys best chance for winning is to hammer home its economic achievements and sow doubt on the oppositions ability to pull the country out of recession. This is something it has been doing incessantly since well before the election officially began. Key issues: economic growth, streamlining welfare state Weakness: social policy, leadership, voters ready for change Conservatives (Det Konservative Folkeparti) "C" Leader: Lars Barfoed 2007 Results: 18 seats (0); 10.4% After heading into the election as the faithful but somewhat bland ally of the Liberals, the Conservatives announced a declaration of independence from the Danish Peoples Party-dominated governing bloc last week. The Conservative rebellion follows a decade of serving as the junior partner in the governing coalition and the gradual erosion of the identity of a party that led the government for a decade from 1982-1993. Although less a strategy to win votes than a way to improve relations with co-operation-minded parties on the left, the move could wind up securing it more influence in a parliament where no single bloc dominates. Chances of serving in a Liberal-led government are all but eliminated. Key issues: lower taxes, better conditions for business, justice Weakness: internal power struggles, image as party of the well-heeled Danish Peoples Party (Dansk Folkeparti) "DF" Leader: Pia Kjrsgaard 2007 Results: 25 seats (+1); 13.9% A good rule of thumb in Danish elections is dont count out the Danish Peoples Party (DF). This election, like the last two, is shaping up to be a referendum against the right-wings influence on legislation in a number of key areas, including social welfare, justice and of course immigration. But while most pundits expect the party may again be the one celebrating on election night, DF could still lose seats for the first time since entering parliament in 1998, when