Local Social Democrat chairs across Denmark are calling on their party to grant citizenship to 2,055 applicants left in limbo, breaking with the line set by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
According to DR, most of the constituency and association chairs who answered its survey want a special solution for the group. All 2,055 applicants had met the formal requirements for Danish citizenship before their case stalled.
The issue was raised at the party’s summer group meeting by MP Anders Kronborg, who was the Social Democrats’ citizenship spokesperson until the March election. Several attendees described Mette Frederiksen rolling her eyes. Her conclusion, DR reports, was clear: no separate law for the group.
The names of the 2,055 applicants were listed in a bill tabled earlier in 2026 by then immigration minister Rasmus Stoklund. DR has reported that the bill had its first reading on 5 February 2026. It lapsed with all other pending legislation when the election was called in March.
Party waits for a screening model
Social Democrat citizenship spokesperson Katrine Evelyn Jensen said in August 2026 that case processing should not resume yet. First, it must be clear whether a screening model can filter out applicants with anti-democratic views. If such a model is workable, the 2,055 would be screened too.
An expert group is tasked with designing the model, with an answer expected around New Year. Negotiations on a new citizenship agreement would follow next year. Processing of applications may therefore restart only in about a year.
Nini Oken, constituency chair in Esbjerg Omegnskreds, told DR the delay is unacceptable and that the applicants are not to blame for the election. Hans Kristian Skaarup, association chair in Vejen, backs screening but not with retroactive effect. He wants the lapsed bill passed through the Folketing instead.
Brian Bisgaard, association chair in Årslev on Funen, described it as a legal principle that applicants be treated under the rules in force when they applied. He said the matter should be handled as quickly as possible. Support for screening future applicants is broad among the chairs DR spoke with.
Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bødskov declined an interview despite three days’ notice, referring DR to Jensen. Kronborg also declined, citing the fact that he no longer holds the spokesperson role. He likewise pointed to his successor.
Jensen said the party stands by its position, while acknowledging that some people are caught in the system. She added that she is glad to belong to a party where different views can coexist. She also noted that the ministry paused pending cases earlier in the week after a newly discovered error in the Criminal Register.
Processing of citizenship applications will resume only once a new citizenship agreement is adopted, per Jensen. Until then, the 2,055 applicants remain without a decision. Those affected may seek help from a Danish immigration lawyer regarding their individual cases.
