Muslim private schools in Socialdemokratiet’s firing line again

Anti-semitic activities and an undemocratic world view not conducive to integration, party leader says

Socialdemokratiet leader Mette Frederiksen has said she would like to close down friskoler where the proportion of non-Danish pupils is over 50 percent.

Her statement comes in the wake of a number of stories about Muslim friskoler in which they have been accused of anti-Semitic activities.

READ ALSO: Socialdemokratiet: private schools that oppose integration should lose funding

Most recently, the tabloid BT reported that the headmaster of Al Quds school in Copenhagen had uploaded anti-Semitic pictures on social media.

Worsening prospects of integration
“When we come up with this proposal, it is because we would like to close the Muslim friskoler,” said Frederiksen.

“We need to ask ourselves whether these Muslim friskoler are a plus or minus on the road to integration – in the light of the revelations in BT.”

She went on to say that the state entities that ought to check up on these schools were limited in their scope.

“The problem arises if there is a constant undertone with a perverse view of democracy, sexual equality and attitude towards Jews at the school. The authorities might not be able to pick up on this.”

Proposals may not be legal
However, the proposals may be unconstitutional and against the European Human Rights Convention, the Education Ministry claims, because this would be discrimination based on religious beliefs or racial origins.

If the idea cannot be implemented, Socialdemokratiet is willing to work with other parties to find a different way to close the schools. Dansk Folkeparti and the Konservative both support the idea.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

  • Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    In Denmark, journalism feels free — calm, almost unbothered, and independent. In Azerbaijan, it can cost journalists their freedom, as in the case of Avaz Zeynalli, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper Xural, who is currently imprisoned on politically motivated charges

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.