Billström's apology 'not enough': Löfven
Published: 19 Mar 13 13:16 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/46814/20130319/
Fredrik Reinfeldt must take action in the wake of Migration Minister Tobias Billström's controversial "blonde and blue-eyed" statement, Social Democrat leader Stefan Löfven demanded on Tuesday.
- Reinfeldt defends migrant deportation push (18 Mar 13)
- Billström sparks 'blonde, blue-eyed' outrage (18 Mar 13)
- Thousands protest immigration controls (10 Mar 13)
"The criticism directed toward Billström is warranted. Now it's up to the head of the government to explain how things stand," Löfven told reporters, demanding that Reinfeldt "steer clear" of categorizing people according to hair and skin colour.
Löfven argued that several recent statements from the ruling Moderate Party raised questions about the stance of the party and its representatives on migration issues.
Specifically, Löfven pointed to statements made by Billström earlier this year arguing that Sweden should reduce the "volume" of immigration, as well as the migration minister's "blonde and blue-eyed" formulation in discussing who generally helps immigrants who try to hide in Sweden illegally.
"We can't differentiate people by their skin and hair colour," he said, adding that it wasn't up to him to decide whether or not Billström should be sacked.
"That's up to the head of government," Löfven added.
"But you can't just gloss over it, there's been too much of it."
When asked about the Social Democrats' position on immigration, Löfven said his party was not at odds with the government when it came to deporting people who have had their asylum applications rejected.
He added that, while it wasn't his position to comment on what the police should prioritize, officers shouldn't be hunting people in the Stockholm metro system based on their appearance.
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I see, so you completely disagree with positive discrimination then, don't you?
Why is this happening, just because a pot called the kettle Black?
When stating the facts and a person is ostracised - that is CENSORSHIP - and WRONG.
Stating FACTS as they exist, stating the Truth, he should be PROMOTED!
A society functions by facilitating healthy relationships between its citizens; and as long as that society does not disenfranchise too many; a society / country can function well.
muahaha!!
While the Swedish Travel Market företag are free to alienate 80% percent of the population by promoting a false idea of Sweden, oops!!;
(The country has very few people with Blond hair and blue eyes [not counting those that BLEACH their hair]; sure some of the children may have the blue eyes; but the blonde hair, 90% of the time turns brown by the time the children reach 7).
Psst!! The Swedish government should not follow their lead.
However, (yeeeeaah!) as an African I have no problem with the attitude that is being projected by politicians since I don't have a "dog in this fight" (hooray!!). I have no children [Phew!! Thank god I stood my ground by not getting any of these Swedish women pregnant. {Funny that so many white women are open to having mulatto babies in such a racist country? Anyway, that's a different story}]
I am staying no longer than I need to 3 more years, Yippie!! . I just know that Sweden's reputation has taken a huge hit to those of us who can tell it apart from Switzerland. Not too many educated people want to come to country with z-list cities that are not diversified; located in a cold climate (brr!!) and passively racist.
March on Sweden!
Since the world will march pass you. Zing!!
Well said!