In a bold move to address surging organized crime, Sweden’s government plans to amend its constitution to allow authorities to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals convicted of gang-related offenses. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer characterized the initiative as essential, describing organized crime as a threat to democracy itself.
The proposed reforms would enable parliament to strip dual citizens of their Swedish nationality if they are guilty of crimes tied to state security or organized crime networks. Sweden’s approach mirrors Denmark’s existing policies, where citizenship can already be rescinded for actions harmful to national interests. Targeting gang leaders directing violent activities from abroad, the government aims to dismantle networks responsible for an alarming spike in shootings and bombings.
The statistics paint a grim picture: 2024 saw 363 shootings and numerous bombings across Sweden, according to the centre-right government, which has the backing of the right-wing Sweden Democrats. Migration Minister Johan Forssell underscored the urgency, saying it has become “far too easy” to acquire Swedish citizenship.
“We’re going to build a Sweden that sticks together, where Swedish citizenship matters more,” Forssell declared.
As part of this strategy, new criteria for obtaining citizenship will roll out by 2026. These include an eight-year residency requirement, a clean criminal record, and proof of financial independence. Forssell argued these measures are vital for addressing challenges stemming from Sweden’s substantial migrant inflows in recent years.
The effects of organized crime are hitting hard. In a recent trial, two radicalized Swedish brothers were accused of planning Islamist terror attacks targeting Jewish sites. Allegedly tied to the Islamic State, they sought underage recruits to execute their plans. Meanwhile, gang violence has grown so severe that some migrants are fleeing Sweden altogether.
One restaurant owner, who fled Iraq two decades ago in search of safety, returned to his homeland after enduring threats and extortion from Stockholm’s criminal gangs. His story underscores how crime is unraveling the social fabric that Sweden prides itself on.
Adding to the crackdown, the government has proposed stricter scrutiny of asylum seekers who vacation in their home countries. Such cases cast doubt on the legitimacy of refugee claims and have sparked debate about asylum policies.
The planned reforms, set to take effect by 2027, reflect a larger push to reinforce Sweden’s social cohesion and bolster national security. The government’s stance sends a clear message: citizenship is a privilege, not a loophole for those undermining the country’s safety. By taking a harder line, Sweden hopes to regain control over its streets and reaffirm the values at the heart of its society.
