Drammen, Politics | One in three believes that the municipalities should be allowed to decide which refugees they want to accept

It caused a stir when a barely bourgeois majority in Drammen decided in February that they would only accept refugees from Ukraine. Now a survey carried out for Dagsavisen shows that many agree with the people of Dram.

A total of 34 percent answered that they think the municipalities should be allowed to decide for themselves who they want to accept.

8 percent had “no idea”, while seven percent answered “don’t know”. A clear majority of 52 per cent answered that they believe central authorities should decide who will be settled where in the country.

Disagreement on Ukraine decision – the Conservative Party moderated its position

Almost half have got a worse impression of the mayor: – I take that to heart, of course

The municipal director concludes: The Ukraine decision is illegal

The Ukraine decision

Here is the controversial decision from the municipal council on 13 February:

Decision in the Municipal Council

Drammen municipality accommodates up to 125 adult refugees and children in families, of which up to 6 unaccompanied minor refugees aged 15-18 in 2024.
The municipal director is authorized to initiate work on planning settlement for 2024.
The municipal board asks the municipal director to come back in the 1st term report 2024 with an assessment of the need for investment funds to purchase municipal rental housing.
The municipal board clarifies that it is very important that the Integration Act’s
Section 6 is followed up closely and asks the municipal director to explain how
this is followed up, and the municipal director is asked to report in connection with 1.
quarterly report 2024 on the number of refugees residing, country of origin,
how the challenges with the settlement have been resolved and about the situation in kindergarten,
school, health and leisure and cultural facilities are satisfactory.
The municipal board believes that, in the current situation of war in our immediate areas, we are obliged to prioritize refugees from Ukraine. Against this background, the municipal council requests that Ukrainian refugees be settled.
Drammen municipality asks to settle a minimum of 5 people/families with special needs, including multi-functional disabilities and war casualties.