Conservative voters in Denmark were shocked this past weekend to learn that politician Soren Pape Poulsen dropped dead. 

According to U.S. News & World Report, Poulsen passed away at the age of 52 on Saturday after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage.

Poulsen collapsed while speaking at a meeting of his party

Poulson headed Denmark's opposition Conservative People's Party and his death came as he addressed its members at a meeting.

"He collapsed in the middle of what he had devoted his life to ... the last thing he experienced was a big round of applause from his party colleagues," a statement from the Conservative People's Party was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Conservative People's Party secretary general Soren Vandso put out a statement of his own which lamented that Poulsen had died "far too soon and leaves behind an unimaginable loss."

"We will miss Soren, who made our lives better with his patience, bright mind, political sense and deep understanding of other people," Vandso explained. He went on to characterize the fallen party leader as being "a caring person" who "always thought of others first."

From mayor to minister of justice

The Local noted that Poulsen became leader of the Conservative People's Party in 2014 after being elected mayor of central Jutland city Viborg.

He then went on to serve as minister of justice from 2016 to 2019 in Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen's administration. His tenure was marked by efforts to take a tougher stand on crime and immigration, such as a push to have foreign criminals serve prison sentences in their home countries.

The website recalled how Poulsen had hopes of becoming Denmark's prime minister two years ago but those ambitions were dashed after the Conservative People's Party had a disappointing electoral showing.

Poulsen's death was met with tributes, including from Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who expressed condolences to his family.

Tributes to Poulsen pour in

"Today, my thoughts go to Soren's family who were so dear to him, and to the entire Conservative People's Party. May Soren Pape Poulsen rest in peace," The Local quoted her as saying.

Meanwhile, the European People's Party addressed Poulsen's passing with a post on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.

Today, our political family mourns the sudden passing of Søren Pape Poulsen.

Our sincerest condolences to his family, his loved ones and @konservativedk. https://t.co/lkOC0vixVu

— EPP (@EPP) March 2, 2024

"Today, our political family mourns the sudden passing of Soren Pape Poulsen," it declared, adding, "Our sincerest condolences to his family, his loved ones and [Conservative People's Party]."