The constitutional amendments approved by the Riksdag will come into force on 1 January 2027. Among other things, they pave the way for introducing into ordinary law the possibility of stripping a person of citizenship in two cases, if they have dual citizenship:
if Swedish citizenship was obtained on false grounds, or if someone has been convicted of a crime that seriously harms Sweden's “vital interests”.
The constitutional amendment was preceded by some political debate during the previous term of office. When the Riksdag voted on Wednesday, the Swedish People's Party and the Swedish People's Party voted against it.
“Less legally secure”
“In relative silence, we are now taking steps towards making Swedish citizenship both unequal and less legally secure,” said Caroline Täljeblad (V).
She pointed out, among other things, that people who did not intend to provide false information could lose their citizenship.
The outgoing government has been working on a bill that is not yet complete. It will therefore be up to a new government to decide how to proceed.
The Riksdag decision also paves the way for ordinary law to restrict freedom of association for associations that engage in serious crime for financial gain or other improper advantage.
Moving forward?
The outgoing government has completed a bill, which has not, however, been presented to the Riksdag. It would allow people to be sentenced to up to four years in prison for participating in a criminal organization from 1 April 2027.
Here too, it will be up to a new government to decide whether to present a bill.
The Riksdag also decided to enshrine the right to abortion in the Instrument of Government as a new fundamental right.
Constitutional amendments require two Riksdag decisions, with an election in between. Wednesday's decision was the second.
What do you think?