Remigration Debate Should Focus on Policy, Not Hitler, Author Argues

Tore Rasmussen, a publisher at Legatum Publishing, argues that the debate surrounding remigration should focus on the policy itself, rather than resorting to historical accusations of Nazism. In response to a previous article by Jonas Bals, Rasmussen contends that Bals attempts to link remigration movements, such as Norway Democrats and the AfD, to fascism and Nazism through questionable historical associations.

Rasmussen criticizes Bals for failing to adequately discuss what remigration entails or address the growing concerns among Europeans about demographic shifts. Instead, Rasmussen asserts, Bals employs a rhetorical tactic of discrediting opponents by associating them with Hitler and the Third Reich, thereby avoiding a direct engagement with their arguments.

The article points to current demographic realities in Norway, referencing NRK reports indicating a near doubling of residents with immigrant backgrounds in 15 years. Furthermore, Statistics Norway (SSB) projections suggest that all future population growth after 2046 will stem from immigration. Remigration, as defined by Martin Sellner, involves the voluntary and legal return of migrants to their countries of origin, encompassing incentives, return of undocumented individuals, and prioritization of criminals or those not integrating.

Rasmussen concludes that while one can agree or disagree with remigration and discuss its methods, consequences, and moral implications, the debate should center on the policy itself. He insists that if Bals finds remigration to be a flawed idea, he should argue against remigration directly, rather than against Adolf Hitler.