Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is pushing for a reinterpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights to allow for easier deportation of foreign criminals, even those with long-term ties to Denmark. This initiative has sparked debate and raised concerns about the potential for disproportionate application and the erosion of human rights protections.

The core issue is the difficulty Denmark faces in deporting foreign criminals due to Article 8 of the Human Rights Convention, which protects the right to family life. The European Court of Human Rights has, in some cases, blocked deportations when criminals have strong ties to Denmark. Frederiksen, along with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has garnered support from seven other countries for a change in the interpretation of the convention.

Zenia Stampe, the spokesperson for foreigners and integration for the Social Liberal Party, has voiced worries about the scope of the Prime Minister’s proposal. She questions the definition of a “hardened criminal” and fears that minor offenses could lead to deportation, even for descendants of immigrants with no connection to their ancestral homeland. Stampe argues that deporting individuals without considering the proportionality of the crime and their connection to Denmark would be a violation of fundamental human rights.

Frederiksen stated that she is indifferent to a criminal foreigner’s ties to their home country if the crime committed is serious enough. She believes that Danish courts, rather than the European Court of Human Rights, should have greater authority in deciding deportation cases. Stampe counters that the power will rather be given back to the Parliament than the Danish courts, expressing concern that a future parliamentary majority might abuse this power. She suggests that if Denmark does not uphold human rights as a fundamental value, it is better to rely on an institution that does.