Sweden's government, led by the center-right coalition with backing from the far-right Sweden Democrats, is proposing constitutional amendments to revoke Swedish citizenship from dual nationals involved in gang crime.

A government bill on these changes is anticipated in 2026, following further parliamentary votes after the next general election.

The proposal builds on the findings of the Swedish parliament’s constitutional committee, which reported on Wednesday that revoking citizenship due to criminal activities is allowed under international law.

This would target dual citizens who provided false information during naturalization, engaged in bribery or threats to gain citizenship, or committed crimes that seriously threaten Sweden’s security.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer deemed the proposal promising but expressed a desire to broaden it further, focusing on gang leaders orchestrating murders, shootings, and bombings from abroad.

However, the Social Democrats and other left-wing parties have criticized the plan as "legally unsafe and frivolous," according to Social Democrat lawmaker Rud Stenlöf.

A Tougher Stance on Crime
The Sweden Democrats, the second-largest party in parliament, have significantly influenced the government’s agenda through their coalition agreement, known as the Tidö Agreement.

This agreement has pushed hardline immigration and crime policies, including an inquiry into revoking dual nationality of those who threaten national security or obtained citizenship through fraudulent means.

However, these measures do not apply to gang members who hold only Swedish citizenship.

The government and its allies have prioritized tackling organized crime, citing Sweden's recent history of increasing gang-related violence.

The Increase in Gang Violence
Despite its reputation for safety, Sweden has seen a sharp rise in gang violence, with 62 fatal shootings reported in 2022, the highest per capita in Europe.

By 2024, around 62,000 individuals were identified as involved in criminal networks, with another 600 operating from abroad, many holding dual citizenship.

Recent data shows some hope, with a 35 percent reduction in shooting deaths in December 2024 compared to 2022, with 40 fatalities reported.

Enhanced policing measures, such as electronic surveillance and preventative strategies, have been credited with disrupting over 100 serious crimes in 2024 alone.

Regional Impact
Swedish gang violence has also affected the Nordic region, with neighboring Denmark, Norway, and Finland raising concerns about criminal activities spreading.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, speaking at the 2024 Nordic Council in Reykjavik, condemned the recruitment of Swedish criminals for serious crimes in Copenhagen and announced stricter border controls with Sweden.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre echoed similar frustrations, noting the presence of Swedish gang members in every Norwegian police district.

To combat the transnational nature of these crimes, a Nordic police hub comprising officers from Finland, Norway, and Denmark will be established in Stockholm.

Next Steps
As the Swedish government advances its constitutional proposal, debates over its legal and ethical implications continue to divide opinion.

Any constitutional amendment will need another parliamentary vote after the 2026 general election, leaving the outcome uncertain in a politically charged environment.