Stockholm, Sweden
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Sweden is poised to enact significant changes to its citizenship laws, with political parties reaching a consensus around measures aimed at dual citizens engaged in activities that threaten national security.
A cross-party committee has recommended the revocation of citizenship for individuals convicted of crimes that pose risks to the state or acquired citizenship through fraudulent means, such as bribery or misinformation.
The recommendations come amid rising concerns regarding violent extremism, organized crime, and state-backed threats in Sweden.
Nevertheless, the proposal does not encompass a contentious suggestion from a minority government to strip citizenship from gang criminals, a move that centre-left opposition parties consider overly broad and difficult to implement. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer reiterates the evolving challenges that Sweden faces, including violent extremism, hostile actors, and entrenched organized crime.
This statement follows the committee’s proposal to modify existing laws to allow for the revocation of citizenship from individuals involved in crimes defined under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. However, the suggested changes do not include provisions for targeting criminal gang leaders. Under the current Swedish constitution, revoking citizenship is prohibited. A parliamentary vote scheduled for next year will determine if the law will be amended to allow these proposed changes.
This reform has sparked a polarized debate across Sweden’s political landscape. Centre-left opposition parties argue that stripping citizenship from gang criminals is excessively severe, cautioning that the inherent difficulties in defining such crimes could lead to misapplications of the law. In contrast, centre-right governing parties, with backing from the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, view these reforms as crucial to combatting increasing gang violence and a rise in gun-related homicides.
"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," said Strommer, indicating that he believes the current plans may not sufficiently address these issues.
Drawing comparisons with Denmark where citizenship can already be revoked for actions detrimental to national interests, the Swedish government aims to align with similar policies. Denmark has recently expanded its criteria for citizenship revocation to include specific gang-related offences. In conjunction with citizenship revocation proposals, Sweden's government also intends to tighten the requirements for those applying for Swedish citizenship.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell announced that starting in 2026, applicants will need to reside in Sweden for eight years, an increase from the current five-year requirement. Additionally, new regulations will mandate proficiency in the Swedish language and knowledge of Swedish society.
Forssell emphasizes the importance of Swedish citizenship, stating, "We are going to build a Sweden that sticks together, where Swedish citizenship matters more."
He asserts that the new measures would ensure that applicants genuinely commit to the country’s values. Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Akesson has proposed further tightening measures by requiring new citizens to pledge an oath of loyalty to Sweden, a suggestion not included in the government inquiry led by Kirsti Laakso Utvik. Utvik contends that the recommended changes would position Sweden more in line with the citizenship policies of other European nations.