The Denmark Democrats are advocating for a significant change in citizenship policy, proposing that Danish citizenship be conditional for the first ten years. This proposal, put forth by chairman Inger Støjberg on Constitution Day, would allow for revocation of citizenship if a new citizen commits serious crimes during that initial period.

However, implementing this policy would necessitate Denmark’s withdrawal from two international conventions: the Convention on Nationality and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. The Denmark Democrats are prepared to take this step, arguing that these conventions restrict Denmark’s control over who becomes a Danish citizen.

Støjberg stated that the current government lacks the will to challenge these conventions effectively. She believes that Denmark must assert its sovereignty in deciding who can become a citizen. She also points to countries like France and Belgium, which have not ratified the Convention on Nationality, suggesting that withdrawal would not have negative consequences for Denmark.

This marks a shift in the Denmark Democrats’ stance, as they previously favored revising international conventions rather than withdrawing from them entirely. Støjberg emphasized the importance of Denmark having full control over its citizenship process.

Other parties, including the Conservatives and Liberal Alliance, have also expressed support for withdrawing from the Convention on Nationality, citing the difficulty of revoking citizenship from criminals under current regulations. However, the current government opposes withdrawing from any conventions, viewing them as essential for a better world order and the protection of individual and smaller countries’ rights.

The government has appointed a convention ambassador to examine potential issues within conventions and their interpretations, primarily focusing on the European Convention on Human Rights. While the Social Democrats, like the Denmark Democrats, have previously expressed interest in conditional citizenship, they acknowledge that international conventions impose limitations on citizenship deprivation.