Sweden Bolsters Justice System Budget to Combat Rising Crime

Sweden will increase its justice system spending by 3.46 billion crowns ($335 million) in 2025 to tackle high crime rates. The total budget, including prior measures, will rise by 10% year-on-year to 86.7 billion crowns. The plan addresses gang violence and aims to restore national security.

Sweden is set to increase its justice system budget by 3.46 billion crowns ($335 million) in 2025 in a bid to curb escalating crime rates, Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer announced on Wednesday. Including previously decided measures, the budget will grow by 10% year-on-year to 86.7 billion crowns.

The Nordic nation has been dealing with severe gang violence, often involving minors, and holds the highest per-capita rate of gun violence in the European Union. Although shootings linked to organized crime have decreased this year compared to the same period in 2023, Strommer highlighted the persistent risk of new violence.

'Things are still bubbling under the surface,' Strommer stated. 'Our goal is to restore security for all citizens of Sweden by cracking down on severe violence, dismantling the criminal economy, and preventing youth recruitment into gangs.'

The government intends to increase the justice system budget further to 100 billion crowns by 2027 from 69 billion in 2023. The budget bill for 2025 will be submitted to parliament on September 19, with the centre-right coalition government receiving support from the far-right Sweden Democrats.

(With inputs from agencies.)