Denmark’s government is advancing a bold plan to screen citizenship applicants for “anti-democratic attitudes,” aiming to ensure that new citizens embrace the country’s democratic values. On December 17, Immigration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek emphasized the importance of this measure in preserving Danish principles.
“The government believes it must ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that those who obtain Danish citizenship actually share Danish democratic values,” the administration declared in a statement.
Currently, citizenship in Denmark can only be granted by the Folketing, the nation’s parliament. The new proposal includes forming an expert committee to evaluate whether applicants meet democratic standards while adhering to Denmark’s Constitution and international commitments.
Bek pointed to concerns over “a disturbing rise in totalitarian attitudes among a small minority of Muslims” in Denmark, describing these as incompatible with the country’s values. However, specifics on how the screening will identify “anti-democratic” views remain unclear.
“It is, of course, important that both law, technology, practice, and economics are examined thoroughly so we have a strong foundation for organizing such screenings,” Bek noted.
This initiative comes after a controversial episode in December, when three citizenship applicants underwent interviews by the parliamentary Citizenship Committee—a first in Danish history. The interviews were triggered by the applicants’ flagged social media activity, including one instance of celebrating the death of Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, infamous for his depictions of Muhammad.
The process sparked backlash. Helene Brydensholt, co-deputy chair of the Citizenship Committee and a member of the Alternative Party, resigned in protest. She criticized the rushed interviews as lacking proper legal principles and potentially violating conventions.
Meanwhile, Mikkel Bjørn of the Danish People’s Party defended the scrutiny, arguing such cases revealed values at odds with Denmark’s democratic ideals.
Adding to the broader debate, Deputy Prime Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced a review of “non-Western immigrant” eligibility for early retirement pensions, further underscoring Denmark’s toughened stance on integration and immigration.
While the government claims the screening will protect democratic integrity, critics warn it risks overreach and could infringe on individual rights, leaving Denmark at a crossroads over how to balance security with freedom.
