The Danish People's Party was founded in 1995 by Pia Kjærsgaard. The party emerged to fight further integration in the European Union, a desire to preserve Danish sovereignty and opposition to mass immigration. DF achieved its political breakthrough in the 2001 election, becoming the country's third-largest party and thereby gaining significant influence in Danish politics. For 10 years DF was the supporting government. On the european stage the party has been represented in the European Parliament since 1999 and is today represented by Anders Vistisen who is Chief Whip in the Patriots Group. Since 2022 the party has been led by Morten Messerschmidt.