Internationals are coming – and the government is sitting on its hands

A key to future welfare is more internationals. But Socialdemokratiet – the largest party in the SVM government – seems to be in some kind of denial.

Uffe Jørgensen Odde

Sep 28, 2023

This week, The Copenhagen Post reported that 15,000 new international citizens settled in the Greater Copenhagen area in the first six months of 2023.

Thank you for coming!

But when it comes to internationals, most members of the government are still sitting on their hands. This, despite wanting to enlarge the workforce in order to solve the future challenges of skilled labour shortage, and claiming to care about future welfare.

Now, the government is trying to solve problems by raising salaries for some professions.

That may be a start, but let’s face it, It’s not even close to being enough. Neither today or looking just a few years ahead.

Everywhere you look, companies and public workplaces are in need of skilled labour. Even unions call for action.

The need for reforms
When the government was formed, the three parties openly addressed the need for reforms that would ensure future welfare.

A key to future welfare is more internationals. But Socialdemokratiet – the largest party in the SVM government – seems to be in some kind of denial.

Or maybe party leaders fear that Socialdemokratiet will be seen as being soft on immigration if the party goes all in on the agenda.

But why form a reform-friendly government if it ain’t got the guts to do large reforms?

Instead of launching necessary reforms, the government apparently wants us to believe that it has a plan for the future – or at least an idea of what to do.

So it’s surprising that so few leading politicians are discussing the need for more internationals in Denmark.

Why do just a few MP’s seem to care that internationals are already settling in the country?
Why not embrace it?
Why not use this opportunity to secure a smooth transition into Danish society?
Why not work on making this positive development a greater success than it already is?

Do you believe in Santa Claus?
But the parties in power don’t agree on what to do, and I guess you’ll have to believe in Santa Claus to be confident that leading politicians have a solid plan when it comes to internationals.

Where is the national strategy to attract future internationals?
Where is the programme that ensures that internationals will choose Denmark over other European countries?
Where is the ambitious master plan for future Danish society?

Answers are needed.