Swedish parties propose new measures to combat gang crime

Swedish political parties are proposing various measures to combat gang crime and increase public safety. The governing Tidö parties, including the Moderate Party, intend to continue a line of increased penalties and expanded police powers, such as preventive wiretapping. They also aim to criminalize participation in criminal gangs.

The Social Democrats have proposed a ‘mafia law’ to make gang leaders more easily punishable for crimes committed by others within their organizations. Both major blocs show interest in restrictive measures like restraining orders, benefit bans, and travel bans to target gang members.

In contrast, the Left Party and Green Party have expressed opposition to increased repression, criticizing recent legislative changes such as lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14. They have called for evaluations of current measures and a review of the penal code.

At a local level in Hallstahammar, the Moderate Party is campaigning for the installation of security cameras to address rising feelings of insecurity, particularly among women. They argue that the current Social Democratic-led majority has lacked the political will to implement such measures, citing GDPR concerns as a barrier.