Denmark: Muslim Kingmaker

Naser Khader seems to be everywhere

By Anna Reimann

Danish politician Naser Khader is young, energetic and the first http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=343 immigrants.

Naser Khader seems to be everywhere — shaking hands in pedestrian malls and strolling through the streets of Danish cities in jeans and a parka. In the morning, he http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=1280 his latest proposals on immigration policy. In the evening, he takes part in an election debate with Pia Kjærsgaard, the chairwoman of the right-wing populist Danish People’s Party. There is no doubt about it: The 44-year-old politician is doing everything he can in the final phase of the Danish election campaign.

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the Danes will go to the polls. Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen called for new elections just two weeks ago.And Khader, the chairman of the newly founded “Ny Alliance” (New Alliance) party, is the shooting star of Danish politics: He’s charismatic, media-savvy, courageous — and the first immigrant to be elected to the Danish parliament.

Since 2001, Denmark has been governed by a center-right Liberal/Conservative coalition under Prime Minister Rasmussen. This coalition has been supported in parliament by the right-wing populist Danish People’s Party in exchange for implementing key demands, such as strict policies on immigration.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,516492,00.html

2007-11-12