Sweden is on the verge of a controversial decision: banning begging. The move, proposed by the centre-right government with support from the far-right Sweden Democrats, has sparked widespread criticism from human rights organizations who argue that it amounts to criminalizing poverty.
The government justifies the ban by claiming that begging has become a problem in recent years, linked to organized crime and exploitation. Linda Lindberg, leader of the Sweden Democrats, stated at a press conference, “Begging had been rare in Sweden until the early 2010s when many EU citizens came from other countries to Sweden to beg.” She further emphasized that begging has led to an increase in “systematic and elaborate crimes.” The Sweden Democrats had included a ban on begging in their initial campaign pledges.
However, social welfare and human rights groups vehemently oppose the proposed ban, warning of its detrimental impact on vulnerable individuals. Stockholms Stadsmission, a Christian social organization, argues that banning begging merely shifts the problem without addressing the root causes of poverty. They advocate for “structural poverty reduction and work against discrimination,” suggesting long-term solutions like access to employment and housing to combat social vulnerability.
The proposal has faced internal dissent within the coalition government. Anna Starbrink, a Liberal MP, voiced her opposition, stating, “I will not contribute to the introduction of such a ban. Of course, measures are needed to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable people. But people in need cannot be forbidden from asking for help.”
The government has appointed an investigator to explore how such a ban could be implemented without violating international conventions and human rights. This investigator is expected to submit its report by June 2025. The debate surrounding this proposed ban continues, highlighting the complex social and ethical issues at stake in addressing poverty and homelessness.
