SDP Calls on Immigrants to Abandon ‘Incompatible Practices’ from Home Countries

Finland’s main opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) is calling for tougher integration policies, including urging immigrants to abandon practices from their home countries that are considered incompatible with Finnish values.

The proposal was presented at the party’s summer meeting in Kouvola, where immigration, integration and youth were among the key issues discussed.

The SDP says Finland needs stronger integration policies to prevent segregation and the development of parallel societies. The party argues that immigrants should be expected to adapt to Finnish society while respecting the country’s laws, values and social norms.

The party is also looking to Sweden and Denmark for lessons on how to address challenges related to immigration, integration and gang crime.

On crime, the SDP has proposed tougher penalties for certain serious offences linked to organised criminal groups. The measures could include longer prison sentences for crimes committed as part of a criminal organisation, encouraging minors to commit serious crimes, and repeated serious violent or sexual offences.

The SDP says integration must also focus on young people from immigrant backgrounds and the ability of families to provide children with the skills and support needed to participate fully in Finnish society.

The proposals come as the SDP remains Finland’s most popular party in recent opinion polls, with parliamentary elections scheduled for next April.