Dual Nationality - update May 2009
The last update on the question of dual nationality reported that a debate on the matter was scheduled to take place in the Folketing on 19 February 2009. This debate was also to consider the proposal to set up a Commission to examine the consequences of changing the law.
The debate was duly held and, judging from the account of the proceedings, it can certainly be described as vigorous.
That this subject arouses very strong feelings there can be little doubt, touching, as the debate shows, on such emotive subjects as national and cultural identity, nationalism, immigration and globalisation. In the event, the government, the Social Democrats and Dansk Folkeparti all voted against, not only the proposal in favour of widening eligibility for dual nationality, but also against the setting up of a Commission.
As a consequence, both were defeated thereby ensuring that the whole matter has been firmly consigned to the parliamentary long grass.
Regarding the second proposal, the Minister for Integration, Birthe Roenn Hornbech, argued that the inquiry into the consequences of changing the law was already underway within her ministry would enable sufficient information to be obtained rendering a Commission superfluous. She was however, unable to say when this inquiry would be completed. Certain of the major parties are awaiting the results of it before considering any further moves.
In conclusino, therefore, as a result of these latest proceedings in the Folketing, the matter undoubtedly now resides in the political wilderness from where, as we all know, it can be notoriously difficult and slow for any proposals for legislative change to re-emerge.
Annette de la Cour
