Sweden's government, led by a center-right coalition with the support of the far-right Sweden Democrats, is considering constitutional amendments to revoke Swedish citizenship from dual nationals involved in gang activities.

A government bill introducing these changes is anticipated in 2026, pending additional parliamentary votes following the next general election.

This proposal stems from the findings of the Swedish parliament’s constitutional committee, which reported on Wednesday that revoking citizenship for criminal conduct is allowable under international law.

The proposal targets dual citizens who provided false information during the naturalization process, bribed officials, secured citizenship through threats, or committed crimes that severely threaten Sweden’s security.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer described the proposal as promising, expressing a desire to further expand it to include gang leaders orchestrating murders, shootings, and bombings from abroad.

However, the Social Democrats and other left-wing parties have criticized the proposal, calling it "legally unsafe and frivolous," as per Social Democrat legislator Rud Stenlöf.

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

This pact has led to tough immigration and crime policies, including an inquiry into stripping dual citizens of Swedish nationality if they threaten national security or acquired citizenship through fraudulent means.

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

The government and its allies have made combating organized crime a priority, citing Sweden’s recent surge in gang-related violence.

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

By 2024, around 62,000 individuals were identified as being involved in criminal networks, with an additional 600 operating from abroad, many of whom hold dual citizenship.

Recent data offers some optimism, showing a 35 percent decrease in shooting deaths in December 2024 compared to 2022, with 40 fatalities reported.

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

Regional Effects
Swedish gang violence has also impacted the Nordic region, with neighboring Denmark, Norway, and Finland concerned about the spread of criminal activities.

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 tighter border controls with Sweden.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre voiced similar concerns, noting Swedish gang members in every Norwegian police district.

To address the cross-border nature of these crimes, a Nordic police hub comprising officers from Finland, Norway, and Denmark will be set up in Stockholm.

Next Steps
As the Swedish government progresses with its constitutional proposal, debates over its legal and ethical ramifications continue to spark divided opinions.

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