Within the Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats) party, a internal conflict has arisen, with immigration and integration spokesperson Frederik Vad (S) coming under criticism from fellow party members. A group of Social Democrats has sent a letter to the party’s main board expressing their dissatisfaction with Vad’s statements about immigrants. They believe that his comments could undermine Danish values, even if the immigrants in question are well-integrated with jobs and housing. The letter, signed by 18 party members including ten municipal council members, and sent by the Socialdemokratiet’s party association in Ballerup, criticizes Vad for stigmatizing an entire population group.
Musa Kekec (S), a member of the municipal council in Ballerup, told DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation) that Vad’s viewpoints create a false narrative that integration in Denmark has failed. Frederik Vad defended his statements in an interview with DR, expressing disappointment at the criticism from party colleagues. However, he emphasized that the Socialdemokratiet’s policy in this area has not changed for years. He pointed out the importance of acknowledging that even seemingly well-integrated immigrants may have intentions that are not in line with Danish norms and values. Criticism of Vad is not limited to within the Socialdemokratiet party. Mohammad Rona, immigration spokesperson for Moderaterne (The Moderates), has also expressed dissatisfaction with Vad’s statements after a speech in the Folketing (Danish Parliament) earlier in April.
This internal disagreement within the Socialdemokratiet party highlights tensions within the party regarding the handling of immigration policy, an issue that continues to be highly relevant and debated in Danish politics.