Jewellery scandal shows path to power as Danes redefine socialism

Copenhagen

DENMARK'S reputation for hygge, trendy design and foraged cuisine has been sullied of late by its treatment of foreigners: a law allowing jewellery to be confiscated from asylum seekers got hammered by human rights groups, while a tightening of residency rules has placed a Danish astrophysicist and his American wife at risk of expulsion.

Far from criticising the centre-right government, the opposition Social Democrats have joined the anti-immigration chorus, boosting their support in the process.

With traditional left-wing parties hemorrhaging working-class votes in France, the Netherlands or the U…