Swedish Government Considers Begging Ban

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Facts

  • The government of Sweden is reportedly considering implementing a controversial national begging ban policy. Critics allege that the government is attempting to 'outlaw poverty.'[1][2]
  • Sweden's center-right government, backed by the right-wing Sweden Democrats (SD), has long opposed begging. 'Begging was rare in Sweden until the early 2010s when many EU citizens came from other countries...' said SD lawmaker Linda Lindberg during a Monday press conference on the issue.[2]
  • Lindberg alleged that authorities noticed it was no longer helpless individuals seeking help, but a network of systematic, well-planned organized crime. A number of communities have already introduced local begging bans.[3][1]
  • Stockholms Stadsmission, a Christian social organization that assists vulnerable people in the city, denounced the move, arguing that a ban on begging was misguided and did not address the underlying cause.[1]
  • According to Aida Samani, the deputy legal director of the human rights organization Civil Rights Defenders a countrywide begging ban is unlikely to be legal. 'It is remarkable that the government is prioritising this in a situation that they themselves describe as a crisis of organised and violent crime,' Samani said.[1]
  • The Liberal Party, which is part of the government, is opposed to implementing a nationwide ban on begging but is investigating one. Discussion of a begging ban also comes amid a reported surge in gang violence in recent years across the Nordic nation.[4]

Sources: [1]Guardian, [2]POLITICO, [3]European Newsroom and [4]Sweden Herald.

Narratives

  • Right narrative, as provided by Europeanconservative and POLITICO. Introducing national legislation that prohibits begging is a highly popular absolute necessity. It's unreasonable for individuals to travel across half of Europe to beg outside of stores, as this contributes to increasing illicit activity in the country. Implementing a ban on begging by the end of June 2025 would actually align with international agreements and human rights principles.
  • Left narrative, as provided by Guardian. A nationwide ban on begging is wrong. Poverty is a structural problem and should be addressed by home countries and the EU in long-term poverty reduction programs. A ban on begging would most likely be in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is enshrined in the Swedish constitution. If the government goes ahead with a ban, it will face heavy legal opposition.