In an internal storm of criticism within the Social Democrats, immigration spokesperson Frederik Vad is at the center of a debate about whether his statements in the Danish Parliament can contribute to promoting racism. Several party colleagues and local politicians have expressed concern about Vad’s rhetoric, which they believe can be divisive and polarizing. During a recent debate in the Danish Parliament, Vad claimed that even seemingly well-integrated and well-educated immigrants can work against Danish values. This statement has sparked attention and resistance among several Social Democratic figures, including Laura Rosenvinge, political spokesperson at Copenhagen City Hall, who directly accuses Vad of laying the foundation for racism. “This is not the first time I have brought this up to him. I am not saying that Frederik Vad is racist, but his statements can create a dangerous polarization,” says Rosenvinge in an interview with DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation). Despite the internal criticism, Frederik Vad rejects the accusations and defends his position: “I believe it is unfair to say that our policies can lead to racism. We stand by the line that the Social Democrats have followed for years,” he tells DR. The criticism is also supported by Birgitte Munk Grunnet, deputy mayor in Kolding, who believes that Vad’s generalizations are more divisive than unifying. The mayor of Ishøj, Merete Amidsen, adds that most people with a non-Danish ethnic background wish to positively contribute to society. On the other side is the Minister for Immigration and Integration, Kaare Dyvbak Bek, who in DR’s political podcast “Slotsholmen” has declared his agreement with Vad’s views. The debate continues within the party and in public, where different views on integration and societal inclusion of ethnic minorities are still a central and controversial topic in Danish politics.

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