In a significant move to address escalating security concerns, Sweden’s political factions have reached a consensus to enforce a policy that permits the revocation of citizenship from dual nationals who commit crimes perceived as threats to national security. This proposal emerges amidst rising incidents of gang-related violence and gun crime within the country, suggesting a troubling trend that has forced policy makers to reconsider existing governance frameworks concerning citizenship rights.
A cross-party committee which included representatives from various political groups has articulated recommendations that any individual who acquired their Swedish citizenship through fraudulent means—such as bribery or misinformation—and subsequently engages in criminal activities that endanger the state or fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court could face loss of citizenship. However, these recommendations notably do not extend to encompass the wider visions of the minority government, which sought to include criminals involved in gang activities under this citizenship revocation policy.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer has explicitly acknowledged Sweden’s ongoing struggle with “violent extremism,” hostile actions from state actors, as well as the pervasive threat of organized crime. His statements underscore the urgency that drives these legislative changes, reflecting a broader push to ensure public safety and national integrity. Despite the backing from certain factions, the Finnish constitution presently inhibits the revocation of citizenship, necessitating a parliamentary vote slated for the following year to amend these laws.
The proposed changes, however, have sparked debate among political leaders, particularly among the Centre-Left opposition parties, who caution that defining the parameters for citizenship revocation could present significant challenges. They warn that revoking citizenship from gang offenders might lead to a convoluted legal landscape that complicates law enforcement efforts.
On the other hand, the governing coalition, primarily the Centre-Right parties, champions these policies, advocating that stringent measures are vital in combating the alarming escalation of gang crime and gun homicides in Sweden. Minister Strommer articulated frustrations regarding the present measures, emphasizing that the proposed changes would fail to allow them to strip citizenship from gang leaders based outside Sweden who orchestrate violent crimes from afar.
To bolster their approach, the Swedish government cites Denmark’s more permissive stance on citizenship revocation, where individuals can lose their citizenship for acts detrimental to the state’s essential interests, including serious gang-related offenses. This comparison reflects Sweden’s intent to adopt stronger legislative measures similar to those of its Nordic neighbor.
In tandem with these discussions around citizenship revocation, the minority government is also tightening the application process for obtaining Swedish citizenship. Migration Minister Johan Forssell recently reported that police flagged 600 citizenship applications last year from individuals deemed a threat to national security. According to new proposals, as of June 2026, the residency requirement for obtaining Swedish citizenship will extend from five to eight years, and prospective citizens will be required to take tests in Swedish language and societal values.
Forssell’s comments suggest a shift in the narrative surrounding citizenship, highlighting the need for greater pride and exclusivity in being Swedish. He articulated an intent to forge “a Sweden that sticks together,” conveying a vision where citizenship is acutely valued. His remarks included a social message, asserting that inclusivity of all individuals, particularly children, is vital—contending that those who oppose this inclusivity may not belong in Sweden.
Moreover, the leader of the Sweden Democrats, Jimmie Akesson, advocates for further measures that require new citizens to pledge allegiance to Sweden, although these proposals did not make it into the official recommendations of the current government inquiry. Acknowledging concerns about public safety, inquiry lead Kirsti Laakso Utvik noted that the suggested legislative changes will align Sweden’s policies with those of other countries in Europe, reinforcing a growing trend aimed at ensuring national security amidst rising crime rates.
Overall, Sweden is navigating a pivotal moment, balancing the principles of human rights and integration with the pressing demand for security and societal order. This debate emphasizes the complexities of modern governance in responding to crime and citizenship issues, revealing the multifaceted challenges faced by contemporary liberal democracies.
