Dutch back forced integration, but don’t think it’s important

Some 50% of the Dutch back the forced integration of foreigners into Dutch society and only 19% support a multicultural set-up, according to a TNS Nipo poll for the Volkskrant.


Nevertheless, integration is only in eighth place in a list of concerns which voters say are important in the June 9 general election. Top of the list is healthcare, followed by social security and the economy.
Integration is only a major issue for the anti-immigration PVV, the poll shows.
And while 31% of the Dutch say they are negative about Muslims, and 52% neutral, this position has been stable for years, TNS Nipo says.
Debate
In an interview with website nu.nl, Farid Azarkan, head of the Dutch Moroccan alliance SMN, says he believes the integration debate will soon be a thing of the past.
‘What we are really talking about is sustainable investment in advancement. It is a combination of join in, study and work together.’
The integration of Dutch Moroccans is proceeding at a fast pace and the tone of the integration debate has become milder, he said.

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