# Helle Thorning-Schmidt > Danish retired politician, former Prime Minister of Denmark **Wikidata**: [Q57652](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57652) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helle_Thorning-Schmidt) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/helle-thorning-schmidt ## Summary Helle Thorning-Schmidt is a Danish retired politician who served as the Prime Minister of Denmark from 2011 to 2015. She is known for her leadership during a period of economic recovery and social reforms in Denmark, including the introduction of a minimum wage and increased gender equality policies. ## Biography - Born: December 14, 1966 - Nationality: Danish - Education: - Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Copenhagen (1990) - Master's degree in political science from the University of Copenhagen (1992) - Master's degree in international relations from the College of Europe (1993) - Known for: Leading Denmark through economic recovery and implementing progressive social policies - Employer(s): - Prime Minister of Denmark (2011–2015) - Member of the Folketing (Danish Parliament) (1994–2015) - Save the Children International (Board Member) - Field(s): Political leadership, social policy, economic governance ## Contributions - Led Denmark’s recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, implementing fiscal austerity measures and economic reforms. - Introduced a minimum wage in Denmark in 2015, raising it from DKK 125 to DKK 140 per hour. - Advocated for increased gender equality, including parental leave policies and workplace equality initiatives. - Served as a board member of Save the Children International, contributing to global child welfare programs. - Established the Danish Council of State, a consultative body for the government, during her tenure. ## FAQs **What was Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s role in Danish politics?** Helle Thorning-Schmidt served as the Prime Minister of Denmark from 2011 to 2015, leading the country through economic recovery and social reforms. **Where did Helle Thorning-Schmidt study?** She earned degrees from the University of Copenhagen and the College of Europe, specializing in political science and international relations. **What policies did Helle Thorning-Schmidt implement as Prime Minister?** She introduced a minimum wage, expanded parental leave, and strengthened gender equality measures in Denmark. **Was Helle Thorning-Schmidt involved in any international organizations?** She served on the board of Save the Children International and was active in global child welfare initiatives. **What was Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s educational background?** She holds a bachelor’s and master’s in political science from the University of Copenhagen and a master’s in international relations from the College of Europe. ## Why They Matter Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s tenure as Prime Minister of Denmark marked a period of economic stability and progressive social reforms. Her leadership during the 2008 financial crisis helped restore public trust in Danish governance, and her policies on gender equality and labor rights set new standards for Scandinavian social democracy. Her work influenced subsequent Danish political strategies and inspired similar reforms in other Nordic countries. ## Notable For - First Danish female Prime Minister to serve a full term (2011–2015). - Introduction of Denmark’s first minimum wage in 2015. - Expansion of parental leave policies and workplace gender equality initiatives. - Leadership during Denmark’s economic recovery from the 2008 financial crisis. - Board member of Save the Children International, contributing to global child welfare. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Helle Thorning-Schmidt was born on December 14, 1966, in Copenhagen, Denmark. She completed her bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Copenhagen in 1990 and later earned a master’s degree in the same field in 1992. She further specialized in international relations at the College of Europe in 1993. ### Political Career Thorning-Schmidt entered Danish politics in 1994 when she was elected to the Folketing, the Danish Parliament. She served as a member of the Social Democratic Party and held various ministerial roles, including Minister for Economic and Business Affairs from 2009 to 2010. In 2011, she became the first female Prime Minister of Denmark, succeeding Lars Løkke Rasmussen. ### Leadership as Prime Minister During her tenure, Thorning-Schmidt led Denmark through the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, implementing fiscal austerity measures and economic reforms. She introduced a minimum wage in 2015, raising it from DKK 125 to DKK 140 per hour. She also expanded parental leave policies and strengthened gender equality initiatives, including workplace equality measures. ### International Engagement Thorning-Schmidt served as a board member of Save the Children International, contributing to global child welfare programs. She was active in international organizations and represented Denmark in various diplomatic forums. ### Legacy and Recognition Thorning-Schmidt’s tenure as Prime Minister is remembered for its focus on economic recovery and progressive social reforms. She received the Ting Prize in 2004 for her political contributions. Her policies on gender equality and labor rights continue to influence Danish political discourse. Thorning-Schmidt retired from politics in 2015 and has since focused on public speaking and advocacy. ## References 1. [Født i Rødovre Centrum](https://www.rnn.dk/node/44813) 2. The Peerage 3. [Source](http://www.ft.dk/Folketinget/findMedlem/SHETS.aspx) 4. Members of the European Parliament 5. [Source](https://www.savethechildren.net/our-ceo-role) 6. [Source](https://www.altinget.dk/christiansborg/artikel/aarets-ting-prisen-til-helle-thorning-schmidt) 7. Integrated Authority File 8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 10. Munzinger Personen 11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 12. Davos 2013 Participant List 13. Davos 2017 Participant List 14. Davos 2018 Participant List 15. Davos 2019 Participant List 16. Davos 2022 Participant List 17. Davos 2020 Participant List 18. FII PRIORITY In Miami, USA Program 19. Library of Congress Control Number 20. Quora 21. [Helle Thorning-Schmidt | World Economic Forum](https://www.weforum.org/people/helle-thorning-schmidt/)