Zetland editor admits past naivety on immigration consequences

Lea Korsgaard, editor-in-chief of Danish outlet Zetland, has revealed she once held a detached view of the consequences of rising immigration, she told DR’s summer programme Clement møder.

“For many years, I was among those who simply did not experience the consequences of a multicultural society because they did not appear in school, daycare, the local shop, or on the bike ride home at night,” she said.

Korsgaard, also a journalist and author, acknowledged that her stance on immigration has shifted over time, aligning with broader changes in Denmark. She now supports the position that non-citizens convicted of serious crimes should be deported.

“I agree with those who believe that if you live in Denmark, are not a Danish citizen, and commit serious crime, you should not live in Denmark,” she said.

She also argued that applicants for Danish citizenship should demonstrate an understanding of Danish values, stating that while citizens are free to act as they wish, the state is justified in setting expectations for those seeking to join.

Korsgaard criticised media for long ignoring public concerns about immigration, particularly in the US, where she said unrest over uncontrolled migration helped fuel Donald Trump’s rise. Many outlets, including those she contributed to, dismissed such concerns as racist, she argued.

“In Denmark, we now dare to be more honest,” she said, though she believes Western media still often overlook the issue’s role in shaping politics.

The full interview airs Wednesday at 17:30 on DR2 and DRTV, with an extended version already available in the programme Akkurat med Clement.