MDG Justice Spokesperson Julie Stuestøl warned that the current immigration debate is damaging social cohesion. She accused right-wing factions and the Labour-led government of engaging in a race to the bottom that marginalizes individuals. “Integration is about participation, not identity,” Stuestøl stated, emphasizing that questioning who is “Norwegian enough” only creates parallel societies.
Practical Solutions for Real Inclusion
The Greens’ new strategy focuses on removing barriers to employment and empowering local authorities. Key highlights of the plan include:
- Full Municipal Funding: Ensuring the state covers all costs related to refugee settlement so local budgets aren’t strained.
- Fighting Discrimination: Implementing anonymous job applications across state and local government to tackle hiring bias.
- Fast-Tracking Skills: Rapid validation of foreign degrees and healthcare qualifications to integrate skilled workers into the labor market immediately.
- Employer Incentives: Replacing temporary wage subsidies with tax breaks for companies that provide permanent jobs and practical language training.
Defending Democracy Against Extremism
In a clear stance against far-right ideologies, the MDGs officially pledged to oppose concepts like “remigration.” The party believes that a strong society is built on proven solutions: language learning through work, stable housing, and treating diversity as a national asset rather than a liability.
