Aksel Larsen, Danish lawyer and politician (b. 1897)

Aksel Larsen: A Pivotal Figure in 20th-Century Danish Politics

Aksel Larsen (5 August 1897 – 10 January 1972) stands as one of the most significant and complex figures in 20th-century Danish political history. His remarkable career spanned leadership roles in both the Communist Party of Denmark (DKP) and as the visionary founder and chairman of the Socialist People's Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti, SF). Larsen is widely remembered today not only for his extensive service within the DKP but also for his harrowing experience as a concentration camp inmate at Sachsenhausen during World War II, and most notably, for establishing the SF, which fundamentally reshaped the Danish left.

Ascent in the Communist Party and Wartime Ordeal

Larsen's political journey began in earnest when he became the leader of the Communist Party of Denmark (DKP) in 1932. This period was marked by profound global economic turmoil and the rise of various extremist ideologies across Europe, often leading to increased support for communist movements. Concurrently, in 1932, he was elected to Folketinget, the lower chamber of the Danish parliament (which formed part of the Rigsdagen before its transformation into a unicameral system in 1953), signaling his successful entry into mainstream national politics.

The German occupation of Denmark during World War II dramatically altered the political landscape. In 1941, under immense pressure from the German occupation forces and the collaborationist Danish government, the Danish police initiated widespread arrests of DKP members. Like many of his comrades, Larsen was forced into hiding. His ordeal intensified when he was apprehended and subsequently interned as a political prisoner at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, a horrific experience that left an indelible mark on his life and political convictions.

Post-War Influence and The 1945 Election

Following Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945, Aksel Larsen's political stature soared. He played a crucial role by serving as a minister in the vital liberation cabinet, a transitional government responsible for restoring democratic institutions and national order. His leadership propelled the DKP to its most significant electoral triumph in the 1945 general election, where the party secured an unprecedented eighth of all votes cast. This extraordinary achievement was largely a reflection of widespread public gratitude for the communists' prominent role in the Danish resistance movement against the German occupation.

However, despite this remarkable electoral success, the 1945 election ultimately led to the formation of a Liberal government. The DKP, under Larsen's guidance, found itself largely ostracized by other mainstream party leaders. This isolation was a clear indication of the deepening Cold War divisions that were rapidly beginning to define and polarize European politics, pushing communist parties to the fringes in many Western democracies.

The Ideological Rift and The Birth of a New Party

Condemnation of Soviet Actions and Expulsion

A pivotal and defining moment in Aksel Larsen's career, and indeed in Danish left-wing politics, occurred in the aftermath of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Larsen took a principled and courageous stand, publicly condemning the Soviet Union's brutal military intervention to suppress the uprising. This bold stance marked a profound departure from the DKP's traditionally unwavering loyalty to Moscow, which was a hallmark of most communist parties globally at that time.

His condemnation inevitably led him into a deep and irreconcilable conflict with other influential members of the DKP leadership who maintained a greater ideological and political allegiance to Soviet foreign policy. This fundamental schism escalated over two years, culminating in his dramatic expulsion from the party in November 1958. This event effectively brought an end to his decades-long association with Danish communism.

Founding the Socialist People's Party (SF)

Undaunted and resolute after his expulsion, Larsen's immediate and strategic reaction was to establish a new political entity: the Socialist People's Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti, commonly abbreviated as SF). This new party was meticulously conceived as a democratic socialist alternative, advocating for an independent, non-aligned socialist path that explicitly distanced itself from the Soviet-aligned DKP. The SF aimed to blend socialist ideals with democratic principles, offering a fresh vision for the Danish left.

Thanks in significant part to Larsen's considerable personal popularity, widespread public recognition, and reputation as a politician of integrity and courage, the SF achieved immediate and striking success. It secured parliamentary representation in the 1960 general election, a remarkable feat for a nascent party. This success came directly at the expense of the Communist Party, which, from that point forward, was largely relegated to a marginal and increasingly peripheral role in Danish politics, largely supplanted by the SF as the primary voice of the democratic left.

Leadership of the SF and Enduring Legacy

Aksel Larsen remained the chairman of the Socialist People's Party, meticulously steering its early development and growth, until 1968, when he gracefully handed over the leadership to Sigurd Ømann. His foundational leadership was instrumental in establishing SF's enduring presence and influence in Danish politics. He continued to serve as a highly respected Member of Parliament (MP) until his death on 10 January 1972, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to public service.

Throughout his later years, Aksel Larsen garnered significant respect across the political spectrum, even though the SF, as a relatively new and sometimes perceived as a more radical voice, was occasionally regarded by some political observers as somewhat "irresponsible" in its nascent stages. This respect underscored his personal integrity and political acumen, transcending ideological divides.

Posthumous Revelation: A Cold War Connection

Decades after his passing, Aksel Larsen's complex legacy gained an astonishing and controversial new dimension. In 2005, a groundbreaking study conducted by the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) revealed compelling evidence of a secret working relationship he maintained between 1958 and 1964. The study concluded that Larsen had a clandestine association with one of Denmark's allied partners during the intense and politically charged years of the Cold War.

The DIIS report explicitly stated that "Larsen... obviously was an agent of a Western intelligence service," suggesting that his actions were likely aimed at countering Soviet influence and aligning with Western democratic values, particularly following his profound disillusionment with Moscow. This posthumous revelation added a significant, albeit controversial, layer to an already remarkable political career, solidifying his image as a figure of deep historical intrigue.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aksel Larsen

Who was Aksel Larsen?

Aksel Larsen (1897-1972) was a highly influential Danish politician, notable for leading the Communist Party of Denmark (DKP) and later founding the Socialist People's Party (SF), becoming a pivotal figure in the development of Danish democratic socialism.

Why was Aksel Larsen imprisoned?

During World War II, Aksel Larsen, as leader of the Communist Party of Denmark, was forced into hiding and subsequently arrested by Danish police under pressure from the German occupation forces. He was then interned as a political prisoner at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

Why did Aksel Larsen leave the Communist Party?

Aksel Larsen was expelled from the Communist Party of Denmark in November 1958 after he publicly condemned the Soviet Union's brutal intervention in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, clashing with the party leadership's unwavering pro-Moscow stance.

What political party did Aksel Larsen found?

After his expulsion from the Communist Party, Aksel Larsen founded the Socialist People's Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti, SF) in 1959, establishing a new, independent democratic socialist force in Danish politics that quickly gained parliamentary representation.

Was Aksel Larsen a secret agent?

Yes, a 2005 study by the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) concluded that Aksel Larsen had a secret working relationship with a Western intelligence service between 1958 and 1964, indicating he acted as an agent for one of Denmark's Cold War allies.