Sweden is considering significant changes to its citizenship laws to address escalating gang crime and gun violence. A cross-party committee has proposed amendments allowing the revocation of citizenship for individuals who used bribes or false information to obtain it, or committed crimes threatening state security, including those under the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction. The centre-right governing parties, supported by the Sweden Democrats, advocate for these changes. However, under current constitutional law, revoking citizenship is not possible. A parliamentary vote scheduled for next year will determine if these legal adjustments can proceed.
The proposal has sparked a political debate. While Sweden's minority government seeks to tighten citizenship application rules, not all parties agree on the measures. The Left and Greens oppose any citizenship removal, reflecting a significant divide in opinions. Migration Minister Johan Forssell highlighted a pressing concern, citing 600 cases last year where applicants were deemed national security threats. The government looks to Denmark as a model, where citizenship can be rescinded for acts seriously prejudicial to state interests.
The amendment targets dual citizens involved in crimes threatening national security. The initiative coincides with broader efforts to make Swedish citizenship more stringent. From June 2026, applicants must reside in Sweden for eight years instead of five and pass tests on Swedish language and society. Johan Forssell emphasized the importance of national identity, stating:
"We are going to build a Sweden that sticks together, where Swedish citizenship matters more." – Johan Forssell
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer underscored the urgency of tackling gang-related violence, describing it as a "serious problem" for Sweden. However, he expressed concerns about the proposals' limitations:
"The proposals I received today will not give us the possibility to take back Swedish citizenship from gang leaders in criminal networks sitting abroad, directing shootings and bombings and murders on Sweden's streets." – Gunnar Strommer
The Sweden Democrats' leader, Jimmie Akesson, advocates for even stricter measures, proposing that new citizens should declare loyalty to Sweden. Forssell echoed this sentiment, arguing that obtaining Swedish citizenship has been "far too easy" and should be a point of pride.
Leave a Reply