Four right-wing parties in Denmark are pushing for an investigation into the extent, causes, and perpetrators of violence in primary schools, but face opposition from the government and other parties who express concerns about the scope and potential impact of the investigation. The Liberal Alliance, the Conservatives, the Danish People’s Party, and the Denmark Democrats have submitted a motion for a resolution to investigate various aspects of the violence, including the age, social background, and ethnicity of the perpetrators.

The right-wing parties argue that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to gain a clear understanding of the issue and develop effective solutions. Conservative spokesperson Lise Bertelsen stated that there is a lack of sufficient knowledge to address the problem effectively. Liberal Alliance’s Helena Artmann Andresen accuses the government of neglecting the challenges and emphasizes the need for transparency.

However, the government parties, including the Social Democrats, the Moderates, and Venstre, along with SF and the Social Liberals, are hesitant to support the motion. Rasmus Lund-Nielsen of the Moderates expressed concern that a large investigation could hinder immediate action, arguing that enough is already known to conclude that a problem exists. Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye favors an investigation within the existing agreement circle behind the primary school, which includes the government parties, the Social Liberals, the Conservatives, the Danish People’s Party, and the Liberal Alliance.

The Social Liberals are particularly wary of the proposed investigation, fearing that it could exacerbate the problem by creating a divisive narrative of victims and perpetrators. Spokesperson Lotte Rod suggests that such an investigation could worsen the situation by reinforcing a specific viewpoint of the children involved. As part of the agreement circle, the Social Liberals have the power to block the investigation from proceeding.

The issue is scheduled to be discussed at a meeting of the agreement circle behind the primary school, where the parties will attempt to find common ground and determine the best course of action.