There are arguably only three center-left governments left in western Europe: Denmark, spain and the UK.
Many might question their leftist credentials but these are countries still governed by the sorts of traditional Socialist or social Democratic parties that have elsewhere in Europe suffered the *Pasokification* process and disappeared into electoral irrelevance.
The three centre-left governments have little in common but are all incumbents as Europe undergoes an anti-immigration surge framed by more outspoken right-wing rhetoric. Perhaps less surprisingly centre-right governments in countries like France and Germany have also been swept to the right on immigration, but on the left two clear paths have emerged.
In London, the Labor government recently outlined hardline asylum and immigration rules that imitate Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s Social Democrats. In Madrid, however, Prime Minister pedro Sánchez’s Socialists have taken a different approach.
READ ALSO: Which of Europe’s anti-immigration parties are the most extreme?
The Danish model
After Denmark’s far-right Danish People’s Party (DF) won over a fifth of the votes in the 2015 elections, the centre-left Social democrats (SD) recalibrated its immigration policies. it joined the centre-right and DF in a so-called “paradigm shift” on immigration in 2019 that treats all refugees as having temporary status, and the SD has also followed stricter approaches to citizenship, an ongoing plan to screen the views of applicants, and Denmark is one of eight EU states to Denmark’s Hard Line on Immigration and Spain’s Contrasting Approach
Table of Contents Across Europe, governments are grappling with immigration policy, often facing pressure from the right to adopt stricter measures. Denmark and Spain offer starkly contrasting examples of how to navigate this complex issue. Denmark’s ‘Iron Lady’ and the Human Cost Denmark, under former Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, pursued a highly restrictive immigration policy. This included exploring the possibility of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda – a plan ultimately deemed unlawful by the European Court of Human Rights.Dr. Michaela Benson, a sociologist at the University of Oxford, argues that some of Denmark’s rhetoric, like the suggestion of housing asylum seekers in tents during winter, “was only a rhetorical deterrent,” but added to the antagonistic environment and reinforced the idea of Frederiksen as the ‘Iron Lady’. Benson warns against mimicking Denmark’s approach, highlighting the human and legal costs involved. “Any government looking to copy this approach should look beyond the statistics and consider the real experiences of the people affected.Denmark’s story is a reminder that migration policy is not just about managing numbers – it is also about the lives that are shaped by those policies.” The Spanish Model In contrast, Spain’s centre-left Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez champions a pro-immigration stance, linking it to the nation’s long-term prosperity. The spanish left views immigration not merely as a moral obligation, but as a “public good” essential for sustaining the welfare state. Sánchez recently stated that welcoming immigrants is “not only a duty that international law obliges us to fulfil, but also an essential step to guarantee the prosperity and sustainability of our welfare state.” Despite the rise of the far-right Vox party, currently polling around 17 percent, Sánchez remains steadfast in his approach, refusing to adopt the rhetoric many believe voters desire. Long-Term Economic Benefit Rather than seeking to reduce numbers, Spain has seen immigration contribute significantly to population growth – 84 percent sence 2022 – and bolster its economy. The European Central Bank (ECB) reports that the majority of immigrants have entered the labour market, “alleviating labour shortages and boosting economic growth.” This influx has positioned Spain as an economic outperformer amongst its European neighbours, with strong growth projected for 2024. Spain’s experience suggests that embracing immigration can yield not just humanitarian benefits, but also notable long-term economic advantages. Here’s a look at recent developments across Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, covering upcoming elections, new integration policies, and changes to immigration rules. These updates impact citizens and foreigners alike, shaping the political and social landscape of these European nations.
European News Roundup: Italy’s Regional Elections, Austria’s Integration Courses, and Switzerland’s Immigration Changes
Italy: Regional Elections on the Horizon
Italy is preparing for regional elections, and understanding their significance is crucial. As The Local Italy reports, these elections are significant as they determine the leadership of individual regions, granting them considerable autonomy in areas like healthcare, transportation, and education.
Who can vote? Generally, Italian citizens residing in the region are eligible to vote. Specific requirements may vary slightly by region, so it’s important to check local guidelines. These elections are seen as a key test for the current national government and could influence the broader political direction of the country.
Austria: Stricter integration Requirements for Refugees
Austria is set to implement more rigorous integration courses for refugees starting in 2026. According to The Local Austria, the new courses will be five days long and include a mandatory declaration of commitment to Austrian values.
Key changes include:
* Binding Declaration: Participants will be required to sign a declaration affirming their adherence to Austrian laws and values.
* Clearer Consequences: Non-compliance with the integration courses or the declaration could lead to sanctions,potentially impacting residency status or access to social benefits.
* Expanded Scope: The courses aim to provide a more thorough understanding of Austrian society, culture, and legal framework.
This move reflects a broader trend in Austria towards stricter immigration policies and a greater emphasis on integration.
Switzerland: Upcoming Changes to Immigration Rules
Switzerland is also preparing for changes to its immigration policies, impacting foreigners living and working in the country. The Local Switzerland details upcoming adjustments to regulations concerning work permits, residency requirements, and naturalization processes.
Areas of change include:
* work Permits: potential adjustments to quotas and requirements for EU/EFTA citizens seeking employment.
* Residency: Modifications to the criteria for obtaining and renewing residency permits for non-EU/EFTA nationals.
* Naturalization: Possible revisions to the requirements for Swiss citizenship, including language proficiency and integration criteria.
These changes are expected to be phased in over the coming years and will likely affect a wide range of foreign residents in Switzerland.
Key Takeaways:
* Italy: Regional elections will shape local governance and potentially influence national politics.
* Austria: New integration courses for refugees will be mandatory with stricter requirements and potential sanctions.
* Switzerland: Immigration rules are being updated, impacting work permits, residency, and naturalization.
These developments highlight the ongoing shifts in European policy regarding regional governance,immigration,and integration. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for anyone living in or planning to move to these countries.
Worth a look