In a recent statement, the spokesperson for the Moderate Party (Moderaterne) on legal affairs, Tobias Grotkjær Elmstrøm, criticized statements made by Frederik Vad from the Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet), which he believes stigmatize and cast suspicion on immigrants by suggesting that they undermine Danish values. Elmstrøm points out that such comments can be harmful to integration and cohesion in Danish society. Frederik Vad, the immigration spokesperson for the Social Democrats, has previously stated that certain individuals with immigrant backgrounds actively work against Danish society. This comment has attracted attention and reactions from several political fronts, including from the spokesperson for Venstre (The Left), Torsten Schack Pedersen, who emphasizes that integration is not only about speaking Danish and having a job, but also about upholding Danish values.
This debate has also created divisions internally within the Social Democrats, where 18 members have submitted a complaint about Vad’s statements to the party’s main board, including 10 council members. Several social democratic mayors have also distanced themselves from Vad’s viewpoints. Elmstrøm denies that his criticism is aimed at government colleagues from other parties, but he believes it is important to maintain a nuanced tone in the debate on integration and societal inclusion. He and other critics of Vad hope for a broader dialogue on how best to integrate all citizens into society without anyone feeling stigmatized or excluded. Frederik Vad and Torsten Schack Pedersen have both rejected the criticism and emphasized the importance of discussing how Danish values can and should be promoted in all parts of society.