Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has stirred controversy in the European left with her remarks on the continent’s handling of radical Islam within migrant communities. Her comments followed the migration incident in Ceuta, where she criticized Spain’s leader, Pedro Sánchez, during a special session in the Danish Parliament.
Frederiksen responded to a question from a far-left legislator on Denmark’s perceived lack of solidarity with Spain. She stated, “If we talk about undemocratic forces, then Russia is our biggest enemy. The problem is that a big enemy has started to grow from within, and it is foreigners who have come to Europe.”
“It is Hamas supporters. It is people who commit terror against European societies. It is people who do not recognize our fundamental European values,” she continued, highlighting the threat to Europe’s open society.
Daniel Schatz, a Swedish foreign policy expert, observed that such views from a center-left leader reveal a shift in Europe’s immigration debate. Frederiksen’s stance contrasts with Spain’s approach, leading her to oppose Sánchez’s policies publicly.
Since 2019, Frederiksen’s platform included strict migration policies and radical reforms to achieve climate targets. Denmark had already enacted strong asylum laws, including the 2018 law targeting “parallel societies,” allowing the government to address areas predominantly inhabited by non-Western residents.
In 2021, Frederiksen introduced a deportation law permitting the return of refugees to their countries of origin if deemed safe by Denmark. This law was considered incompatible with EU regulations by the European Commission.
Frederiksen has consistently voiced opposition to Spain’s immigration policies, stating, “I and we will not accept that Danish society has to pay the price for decisions in Spain that we fundamentally disagree with.” She joined other European leaders in highlighting the EU’s challenges related to mass migration threats.
Frederiksen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a joint statement, emphasized their commitment to Europe’s Christian cultural heritage, expecting newcomers to respect European values.
Emma Schubart from the Henry Jackson Society highlighted Frederiksen’s acknowledgment of internal threats due to uncontrolled migration and failed integration and stressed the importance of addressing these issues.
Daniel Schatz noted Frederiksen’s argument focuses on the need for democratic societies to confront failed integration. He emphasizes that this approach is necessary to maintain the integrity of Denmark’s public benefits system and social services.
Emma Schubart urged other leaders to secure their borders and ensure that integration into European laws and values remains non-negotiable.
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