Sweden Proposes Citizenship Revocation for Threats to National Security

Amid a growing surge in gang-related violence and gun crime, Sweden's political consensus has emerged to consider stripping citizenship from dual nationals who commit acts deemed threatening to the state's security. A parliamentary vote will determine whether citizenship laws will be altered, amid opposing views from various political factions.

Sweden has been grappling with a significant increase in gang and gun-related crimes in recent years, prompting a critical re-evaluation of its citizenship laws. A cross-party committee has reached a consensus that dual citizens who engage in criminal activities that jeopardize national security should forfeit their citizenship. This recommendation includes provisions for those who may have obtained their citizenship through falsehoods or corrupt practices, as well as those whose criminal actions fall under the scrutiny of the International Criminal Court.

Despite this development, the proposal does not extend to revoking citizenship from gang leaders orchestrating crimes from abroad, a point of contention raised by Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer. He emphasized the need to confront "violent extremism" and systemic organized crime that has infiltrated Sweden.

The Swedish constitution currently prohibits the revocation of citizenship, necessitating a parliamentary vote, slated for next year, to potentially amend this legal framework. While the centre-right ruling parties advocate for tougher measures against gang crime, the centre-left opposition cautions that defining criteria for revocation could pose challenges and set a troubling precedent.

In support of the proposed changes, the government has cited neighbouring Denmark's approach, where citizenship can be revoked for actions harmful to the state's vital interests, further extending this application to serious gang-related offenses.

Simultaneously, Sweden's minority government seeks to tighten the criteria for acquiring citizenship, increasing the residency requirement from five to eight years and imposing tests on the Swedish language and societal values. Migration Minister Johan Forssell remarked that becoming a citizen should symbolize pride and commitment to the nation.

Meanwhile, Jimmie Akesson, the leader of the Sweden Democrats, is advocating for even stricter measures—proposing that new citizens should declare loyalty to Sweden, a notion that has not gained traction in the committee's recommendations.

This proposed shift in citizenship policy is set against the backdrop of Sweden's struggle to maintain its peaceful reputation amid the escalating threat of organized gang violence, highlighting a significant turning point in the nation’s approach to crime and security.