The Denmark Democrats are advocating for a conditional citizenship model, where new citizens would have their citizenship subject to revocation for the first ten years if they commit serious crimes. This proposal, championed by chairman Inger Støjberg, coincides with Constitution Day and marks a shift in the party’s stance.

To implement this policy, Denmark would need to withdraw from the Convention on Nationality and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Støjberg asserts that the current government lacks the resolve to challenge these conventions and believes it’s time for Denmark to assert its right to decide who becomes a Danish citizen.

This represents a change in direction for the Denmark Democrats, who previously favored revising international conventions rather than complete withdrawal. Støjberg points to countries like France and Belgium that have not ratified the Convention on Nationality, suggesting that Denmark’s withdrawal would not have negative consequences. She clarified that the party does not want to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, as it could impact Denmark’s EU membership.

Currently, Denmark can only revoke citizenship in cases where a crime causes “serious damage” to Denmark’s “vital interests.” The Danish People’s Party has long been a lone voice in calling for withdrawal from international conventions, but the Conservatives and Liberal Alliance have recently expressed similar desires.

The government opposes withdrawing from any conventions, arguing that they provide the “best basis for creating a better world order.” While the government appointed a convention ambassador in February to investigate “inappropriateness” in conventions, their focus is primarily on the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Social Democrats have previously expressed support for conditional citizenship, but acknowledged that international conventions impose limitations on citizenship deprivation.