As violent crime escalates, political leaders are debating the implications of revoking citizenship for dual nationals involved in criminal activities.
**Sweden Moves to Amend Citizenship Laws Amid Rising Gang Violence**
**Sweden Moves to Amend Citizenship Laws Amid Rising Gang Violence**
Sweden is contemplating changes to its citizenship laws as a response to increasing gang-related crime and threats to national security.
Sweden's political landscape is shifting as parties unite in the face of a growing crisis surrounding gang violence and gun-related crimes. Recent discussions have centered on the proposal to strip dual citizens of their nationality if they are involved in criminal activities deemed threatening to the state.
A cross-party committee has suggested that this measure could encompass individuals who acquired citizenship through deceptive means, such as bribery, or who have committed offenses under the International Criminal Court's purview. However, the proposal stops short of endorsing the government's push to revoke the citizenship of individuals involved in gang activities.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer pointed to the increasing dangers posed by violent extremism and organized crime, asserting that Sweden is facing "state actors acting in a hostile manner." America's proposals emphasize the need for new legal frameworks to address these threats, but the current constitution restrains citizenship revocation.
A parliamentary vote on modifying citizenship laws is scheduled for next year. Critics, particularly from the centre-left opposition, voice concerns over the challenges of defining what constitutes a threat, arguing that such measures could dilute legal standards.
Conversely, the ruling centre-right coalition views stricter citizenship requirements as necessary to combat a significant spike in gun-related violence, with fatal shootings rising alarmingly in recent years. Strommer referenced Denmark's existing legal provisions allowing citizenship revocation for actions detrimental to the state, suggesting Sweden should adopt similar measures.
The government is also tightening rules regarding the application process for Swedish citizenship. Migration Minister Johan Forssell highlighted that authorities flagged approximately 600 security-threat cases during the previous year's citizenship applications. Starting June 2026, aspirants will need to demonstrate longer residency and proficiency in Swedish language and culture—measures that Forssell corresponds to the growing importance of Swedish citizenship.
Sweden's agenda includes plans for the Sweden Democrats to propose additional loyalty oaths for prospective citizens, though this idea has yet to materialize in official recommendations. Inquiry author Kirsti Laakso Utvik stated these rights are essential to maintaining Sweden's positive reputation in the realm of personal safety and community coherence.
