“Some [of the proposals] are not possible without constitutional changes, ”he stressed, questioning whether the party was even prepared to continue implementing the measures outlined in the program.
Last week, the National Coalition published a list of proposals to change immigration and integration policies.
Among the most controversial proposals were the creation of separate social security systems for immigrants and “native Finns”, a Finnish term that is usually translated to Finns. The national coalition later amended the program to remove the controversial term and specified that its purpose was to refer to Finnish citizens permanently residing in Finland.
Pia Kauma (NCP), which was responsible for drafting the program, deplored the choice of words on Twitter. He explained that the aim was to simplify the terminology and not to refer to ethnic origin.
He argued that the reasons for the low employment rate of immigrants were insufficient language skills, lack of education and poor knowledge of Finnish society.
– We have a lot to improve in this regard. We demand that you pass a language test and a degree and show your understanding of Finnish society and values, ”he commented on YLE TV1 on Thursday.
Insufficient language skills are not proof of the failures of immigrants, but rather of society, Paavo Arhinmäki (LA) replied: “We have not succeeded in providing enough high-quality language and cultural guidance.”
The desired change in language skills, he believes, could be achieved through positive and encouraging measures, such as improving access to childcare for migrant families.
YLE on Friday reported that the policy agenda has also exposed the gap within the ranks of the national coalition. While many lawmakers on the Conservative side of the party have expressed support for the proposals, many in the more liberal fares have refused to comment, suggesting a reluctance to support and reject the proposals.
“This is by no means a straightforward question. More detailed assessments and studies are also needed on what kind of immigrants we are talking about. There are many types of immigration and they cannot be properly bundled together,” he said. Mia Laiho (NCP).
“The idea is that we are committed to immigrants learning the language and integrating,” he summed up.
Sanni Grahn-Laasonen (NCP) said the proposal had been discussed in various working groups and parliamentary group meetings, adding that he was behind the program.
“I recognize the underlying concerns. We need to speed up paths and access to Finnish working life. But unequal social security alone is not the answer to this, ”he commented to YLE.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
Source: The Nordic Page