Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has conceded that his government has lost control over an alarming wave of violence gripping the country. His candid admission came during an emergency meeting where he announced plans to speed up new laws targeting juvenile crime.
So far, 2025 has seen a staggering 27 bombings by January 27—averaging nearly one per day, according to The Nordic Times. Many of these attacks have hit residential neighborhoods, leaving communities on edge.
“Sweden is in the midst of a new wave of violence; it’s primarily the bombings that are increasing, with almost one occurring every day,” Kristersson told reporters Thursday. “It’s abundantly clear that we do not have control over this wave of violence; otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.”
The crisis isn’t new—last year alone, police recorded 317 blasts, most tied to escalating gang conflicts. Authorities estimate at least 1,700 minors are actively involved in criminal networks, showing a “total indifference” to the consequences of their actions.
Tougher Laws, Faster Timeline
In response, the Swedish government is pushing forward legislation originally set for 2026 that would grant police more authority to detain children under 15 in specific cases. The new law could now take effect as soon as October 1, 2025.
Kristersson blamed these deep-rooted criminal issues on policies inherited from past governments, warning that fixing them would be a long-term battle spanning the decade.
Mounting Political Pressure
With crime dominating Sweden’s political landscape, Kristersson is under intense scrutiny. He campaigned on cracking down on organized crime in 2022, but the rising violence threatens his credibility. At the same time, he faces pressure from the Sweden Democrats—a nationalist party backing his government—who demand even harsher measures and could outflank him on the issue in the 2026 election.
Recent proposals include amending Sweden’s constitution to revoke citizenship from dual nationals convicted of gang-related crimes. A government-commissioned report also suggested sending convicted criminals to serve their sentences abroad, arguing that Swedish law presents no “absolute obstacles” to the idea.
With Sweden’s crime wave showing no signs of slowing, the government faces a crucial test: can it regain control, or will chaos continue to escalate?
