COPENHAGEN — Anker Joergensen, a former prime minister loved by many Danes for his down-to-earth character but criticized for his handling of economic problems in the 1970s and ’80s, died March 20. He was 93.

Mr. Joergensen’s Social Democrats confirmed his death but did not give the cause.

He led governments in 1972-1973 and 1975-1982, a time when Denmark was marred by political turmoil and economic problems. He resigned in 1982 after failing to get support for tax increases and spending cuts he had proposed to deal with the ailing economy.

Danes appreciated his humble demeanor and called him by his first name. Instead of moving in to the prime minister’s official residence, Mr. Joergensen and his family stayed in their apartment in a working-class neighborhood of Copenhagen.

He drew criticism from Washington and NATO allies for opposing the US engagement in Vietnam and calling for diplomatic ties with communist East Germany.