The Danish government is facing criticism and accusations of misleading center-right parties after a promised amendment to remove a Pakistani man, Hafiz Muhammad Idrees, from a citizenship bill has not materialized. The case has ignited a debate about who deserves Danish citizenship, with some parties wanting to challenge the automatic inclusion of individuals who meet the established criteria.

The controversy centers around Hafiz Muhammad Idrees, a high-ranking leader in the Danish branch of the Muslim organization Minhaj-ul-Quran. Critics, particularly from the Danish People’s Party, object to his inclusion due to his alleged promotion of books based on “theocratic” and Islamist ideas, including those related to Sharia law.

The government had reportedly promised to remove Idrees from the bill, as indicated in an internal email from a Social Democratic spokesperson. However, the promised amendment has not been tabled, leading to accusations of being misled. Brigitte Klintskov Jerkel from the Conservatives expressed surprise and disappointment, noting that the government’s inaction has prevented them from summoning Idrees for an interview before the bill’s final consideration.

The government’s motives for the delay are unclear, with speculation ranging from internal disagreements within the coalition to concerns about setting a precedent for future exceptions to the citizenship bill. Some sources suggest that the Moderates may be blocking the proposal, while others believe the Minister for Immigration and Integration is hesitant to proceed.

The Danish People’s Party has independently proposed an amendment to deny Idrees citizenship, setting the stage for a potential historic showdown over the automaticity of the citizenship process. The government’s stance on this amendment remains uncertain, with an announcement expected during the second reading of the bill.