In a time where the immigration debate is once again heating up in Denmark, the Social Democrats’ (Socialdemokratiet) spokesperson on immigration, Frederik Vad, finds himself at the center of an internal conflict within the party. A group of members has expressed their dissatisfaction with Vad’s statements, which they believe stigmatize immigrants in Denmark. This has led to 18 individuals from the party’s grassroots and the S-party association in Ballerup sending a letter to the Social Democrats’ main board urging them to distance themselves from Vad’s remarks.
Despite this internal criticism, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has publicly supported Vad. In front of the Folketing (Danish parliament), she stated that much of what Vad raises are topics that many Danes can recognize and are concerned about, such as insecurity at S-train stations and rising crime. Frederiksen emphasized the importance for the government to ensure that everyone feels safe in their daily lives, regardless of their background.
Frederik Vad himself has commented that although some immigrants in Denmark are well-educated and employed, there are still examples of some opposing Danish values. This statement has been a catalyst for the current criticism from party members. The Prime Minister was also asked whether there is a divide in the Social Democrats’ approach to immigration policy. She acknowledged that there are different opinions within the party, which was also the case when the party presented its extensive immigration policy initiatives in 2018.
She stressed that the debate on immigration policy is an ongoing process both within the party and in Danish society as a whole. This situation illustrates the challenges and tensions that can arise within a political party when it comes to sensitive issues such as immigration policy. It is a debate that touches not only on political strategies but also on fundamental values and attitudes in the population.