DEBATE • How do we build a safer and more cohesive society? That question should be obvious for every municipality to want to discuss. That is why it is remarkable that the majority in Oskarshamn’s municipal government chose to say no to receiving the government’s national coordinator for repatriation.

The purpose of the national coordinator is simple: to provide municipalities with knowledge about how repatriation can be used as a tool for people who do not want to, or cannot, establish themselves in Swedish society. Receiving information does not mean you have to agree with everything. But not even wanting to listen is a strange approach for a municipality that claims to want to solve integration problems.

Sweden has struggled with major integration challenges for a long time. Parallel societies, gang crime, and increasing tensions have become a part of everyday life in many places. The Quran riots in 2022 were a clear example of what can happen when people respond to lawful demonstrations with violence against the police, emergency services, and democratic society. Hundreds of police officers were injured, and the costs to society were significant. The events also showed how fundamental Swedish values such as freedom of expression and respect for the rule of law can be challenged.

We Must Dare to Discuss Both Integration and Repatriation

We do not want to see such developments in Oskarshamn. That is why we must dare to discuss both integration and repatriation. Those who wish to live in Sweden should also want to become part of Swedish society, follow our laws, and respect our democratic values. For people who do not want to or cannot do this, repatriation should be an alternative.

It is therefore hard to understand why the municipal leadership does not even want to take part in the knowledge offered by the state. How can a municipality develop its work if it dismisses the opportunity to learn more in advance?

Important to Be Open to Knowledge

The Sweden Democrats believe that Oskarshamn municipality should be open to knowledge, even when it challenges deeply held political views. If we earn the voters’ trust, we will work to ensure that the national coordinator is invited to the municipality. We believe that all tools that can contribute to better integration, greater cohesion, and a safer Sweden deserve to be tried.

In September, there is an election. You will then decide whether Oskarshamn should continue to say no to new solutions, or whether the municipality should be willing to take part in knowledge and use the tools that exist to meet integration challenges. The only right choice then is a vote for the Sweden Democrats in Oskarshamn municipality.

Jesper Ishagen
Candidate for Municipal Council and Deputy Chair, Sweden Democrats Oskarshamn

Elin Wågerud
Candidate for Municipal Council and Second Deputy Chair, Sweden Democrats Oskarshamn