With anti-immigrant/anti-Muslim sentiment on the rise throughout Europe, the Guardian interviews citizens from various countries as to what their thoughts are with London electing their first Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan. Here’s a sampling of responses:
Mathilde, 18, from South of France: “Sadiq’s appointment sends a great message to the world. It reflects Britain’s state of mind which, as a French person, I think is more open-minded than France. It tells me that Londoners see above the religion or the race of a person.”
Ursula, 62, from Munich, Germany: “I was surprised by Sadiq Khan’s appointment. I had expected that the non-Muslim majority would not like to be represented by a Muslim major. Maybe such a big city attracts people with an open mind?”
Hanna, 24, from Helsinki, Finland: “The anti-immigration party Perussuomalaiset [known as Finns party, or PS] got into government and peoples’ attitudes have become harder towards refugees, especially to Muslims. The foreign minister, Timo Soini, who is party leader and co-founder of PS and a Catholic, even suggested we should favor Christian refugees. As we took more refugees in than ever, the PS are losing supporters. But this means some people are going for even more rightwing politics like Rajat Kiinni! (Borders Closed!). On their Facebook page they openly call all Muslims rapists and terrorists. For this reason I’m happy about Khan’s appointment, but mostly because of his politics, not just his religion… It seems to me that Londoners think politics are more important than what religion someone believes in. They are wise.”
Nesi, 44, from Madrid, Spain: “Sadiq’s appointment shows that politics and important issues in the world should be about people, not religion. It also shows that a multicultural society living in peace is possible. And of course it shows what a fantastic place to live London can be, sometimes.”
