On Tuesday evening, NRK ignited a spirited debate on immigration during its program, Debatten, posing a provocative question: Are Norwegian values threatened by a growing immigrant population, where many do not integrate—and neither do their children?
Co-hosts Espen Aas and Åsa Vartdal set the stage for an intense discussion, immediately establishing clear divides among the participants.
Right-wing parliamentary representative Mahmoud Farahmand was quick to voice his concerns, stating bluntly: “Immigration threatens Norwegian values. It changes what it means to be Norwegian.” He emphasized that Norway is rooted in a set of shared values, cultivated by generations of its long-term residents.
“That’s why we have an oil fund and our unique parliamentary system. It’s why we can engage in deep disagreements while maintaining civilized discourse. This is the essence of Norwegian culture, and it is shifting,” Farahmand asserted. He pointed to specific issues, such as honor killings and forced marriages, that he believes have become prevalent with increased immigration.
“Before the waves of immigration, these weren’t conversations we had to navigate,” he said, reinforcing his belief that different cultures inevitably alter the fabric of Norway’s society.
Eivind Trædal from the Green Party, however, dismissed concerns over the integration of immigrants. When asked if he was worried, he replied with a resounding no. “In my lifetime, we’ve welcomed many more immigrants, yet Norway has become safer, wealthier, and, frankly, cooler—thanks in part to these new arrivals,” he stated confidently. Trædal asserted that Norwegian culture is resilient enough to accommodate change. “We are not going to adopt harmful practices like honor killings. Instead, we continue to enrich our society with diverse influences.”
Shifting the focus beyond Norway’s borders, Trædal contended that the threats today stem from political figures like Trump and Putin, who he says encourage societies to seek out internal enemies. “While lack of integration might pose challenges for individuals, it doesn’t undermine Norwegian culture at its core.”
In stark contrast, Sylvi Listhaug, leader of the Progress Party, reacted vigorously to Trædal’s perspective. When pressed on whether immigration is a benefit or a threat, she cautioned against downplaying serious issues. “It’s dangerous to sweep our problems under the rug, as some have done in Sweden,” Listhaug declared. She clarified that the debate transcends culinary traditions or festive celebrations. “This is about the foundational values of our society—like ensuring equal rights for boys and girls.”
Listhaug countered Trædal’s assertion that integration challenges only impact individuals, stating, “This is a societal issue. If children grow up without the freedom to decide whom they can marry, or if they’re excluded from social events, it affects us all.”
She further highlighted that core values, such as freedom of expression and equality, are under pressure. “Look at Iran,” Listhaug noted. “People are facing violence for expressing their views. We must remember that attitudes don’t just vanish at the border; many bring those beliefs here.”
She expressed a concern about a troubling paradox: individuals fleeing oppression often encounter similar attitudes in Norway from others who have also migrated. “We cannot accept that,” she emphasized, asserting that Norwegian values must hold firm within Norway’s borders. “Thus, we need stricter controls on immigration, which has soared, contributing to issues like crime and cultural clashes. We must confront these realities openly, rather than ignoring them, as Trædal and others would prefer.”