Anker Jorgensen, Denmark's prime minister between 1972 and 1973 and again between 1975 and 1982, died at the age of 93. (AFP Photo)
Anker Jorgensen, Denmark's prime minister between 1972 and 1973 and again between 1975 and 1982, died on Sunday aged 93, the country's Social Democratic party said.
"Anker's conribution to the democratic and Social Democratic labour movement cannot be underestimated," party leader Mette Frederiksen said in a statement.
Jorgensen's time in power was characterised by a sluggish economy and rising unemployment, and alhough popular, he was criticised for not doing enough to reform the economy.
He first became prime minister in 1972 after Denmark in a referendum had voted yes to joining the European Economic Community, of which it became a member the following year.
Known for his unpretentious and down-to-earth style, the former shipyard and warehouse worker began his political career in the country's trade unions.
"Anker Jorgensen went from a life as a warehouse worker to the country's highest office. That says something about the uniqueness of our society," Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in a statement.
Throughout his tenure he continued to live with his wife and four children in an apartment in a working class district of Copenhagen.
"Anker Jorgensen was the last real worker at the head of the Social Democrats," Danish daily Politiken wrote.
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