Swedish Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson has expressed outrage over influencer Inas Alhamwi's controversial views, which she believes undermine integration efforts. Alhamwi, who has a large following, encourages practices that Mohamsson argues perpetuate social exclusion. In response, the government plans new investigations to address issues in marginalized communities.
Minister Outraged by Islamic Influencer's Controversial Views
Minister Outraged by Islamic Influencer's Controversial Views
Influencer Inas Alhamwi, 25, has been praised for her integration efforts in Swedish media. However, she now promotes a lifestyle to her 350,000 followers that has angered the Integration Minister.
"We cannot compromise, whether it's about the rights of gays or children," says Simona Mohamsson (L).
Inas Alhamwi, with over 350,000 followers on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, reaches a massive audience. Even before gaining a large following, she was known in the media for her work on equality and integration since arriving in Sweden from Syria in 2016.
Today, she advises parents not to teach their children Swedish at a young age, a stance first reported by Dagens ETC.
"I learned Swedish in a year at age 16 – it's even easier for a five-year-old," she tells Expressen.
Alhamwi also encourages Muslim women to avoid male doctors and hairdressers, mixed gyms, or dancing in places with unknown men. In a video, she poses in front of a progressive pride flag, stating, "They flaunt their unjust perversion, so why not flaunt your true religion."
Integration Minister: It Makes Me Furious
This has prompted a strong reaction from Simona Mohamsson (L), Minister of Education and Integration.
"It makes me furious to see people like Inas, who not only cement their own and their children's exclusion but also try to build a career as some kind of 'exclusion influencer,'" she says.
"Many children today cannot speak Swedish and therefore will not have control over their lives. More people in society need to understand that those spreading this alternative information and propaganda are the ones gripping entire areas of Sweden."
New Budget Proposals for Integration
In the autumn budget, the government has decided to launch three new investigations to increase knowledge about children in exclusion. The first will focus on children's living conditions in marginalized areas.
"We want a Sweden where everyone has the same rights regardless of postcode. It doesn't matter if you live in Bromma or Botkyrka," says Simona Mohamsson.
The government is also launching an investigation into children growing up in criminal clans.
"Children growing up near crime are particularly vulnerable. Growing up in a criminal clan involves not only crime but often also honor culture and patriarchal structures."
"Sweden was the first country in the world to ban corporal punishment. We cannot start compromising and say that if you're tough or angry enough at society, you can get away with it."
Finally, the government is launching an investigation into parents who do not visit child health centers, a problem more prevalent in marginalized areas, she argues.
Inas Alhamwi: Integrated in Sweden
Inas Alhamwi, however, argues that her children will not face the problems the minister points out.
"We often go to the open preschool, meet the children's nurse almost daily, have contact with the family counselor, and participate in all activities and parenting courses offered. I also encourage other families through my platforms to take part in this, and we continuously share information about open preschools, parenting courses, and other resources that can strengthen parents and children."
Inas Alhamwi claims she is integrated. In her response, she writes that she speaks Swedish, has studied at university, and has never lived on benefits. She has paid taxes and contributed to society's welfare.
"We have always tried to contribute. But we have discovered that we are not allowed in – unless we first give up our Arabic and Muslim identity."
She emphasizes that Swedish welfare loses when highly educated immigrants choose to leave Sweden due to these demands.
"If we one day leave Sweden, it is because of pressure and suspicion from people like Simona – and then the country loses both us and the investment made in an entire generation of migrants," she writes.
"We all know the challenges Sweden already faces – both in terms of demographic development and the lack of staff in healthcare. It's a shame that a minister like Simona doesn't see it."
However, Simona Mohamsson does not see it as a loss if people like Inas Alhamwi leave Sweden.
"This is about a justice issue for children. We cannot compromise on children's rights, regardless of other interests in society."
Therefore, she welcomes Inas Alhamwi's plans to leave Sweden.
"I find it strange that someone would want to live in Sweden if they don't want to be part of the Swedish community and share Swedish values."
Inas Alhamwi, however, argues that Simona Mohamsson should examine herself and her values.
"When we came to Sweden, we were given clear demands: follow the laws, learn the language, study, become independent, and contribute to society – and that's exactly what we have done."
"The paradox is that these very principles – individual freedom and family freedom – were the same values that once led Simona and her parents to seek refuge in Sweden. That she questions them today, instead of defending them, is completely incomprehensible to me."