Migration debate in electoral competition: comparing the Nordic countries

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of migration in electoral competition among right-wing, left-wing, and center parties in Finland—the Finns Party (PS), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the Centre Party (Cen); Sweden—the Sweden Democrats (SD), the Centre Party (C), and the Social Democratic Party (SAP); and Denmark—the Danish People's Party (DF), the Denmark's Liberal Party Venstre (V), and the Social Democrats (S)—from 2015 to 2023. It explores whether migration serves as a "rallying point" in political campaigns, influencing coalition-building and shaping party strategies. The research assesses the impact of right-wing populism on migration discourse and policy shifts, questioning whether Nordic parties strategically promote more restrictive policies towards migration, not by rejecting welfare state principles outright, but by reframing them as exclusive, emphasizing welfare protections for native citizens over immigrants. Using a comparative approach, the study analyzes electoral strategies and public opinion. The theoretical framework incorporates Populism Theory (Mudde, 2004) and Framing Theory (Entman, 1993) to understand how migration issues are framed and politicized. Methodologically, it employs analysis of the narratives and analysis of the public opinion of party manifestos and press releases from election periods between 2015 and 2023. This research provides insights into how migration is used as a political tool in Nordic electoral competition and its implications for party politics, policymaking, and the future of the Nordic welfare model.