The Swedish government has announced a significant increase in spending on the country's justice system, adding 3.46 billion crowns ($335 million) to its 2025 budget. This measure is part of a broader effort to address rising crime, particularly gang-related violence, which has shaken the country over the past decade.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer revealed the budget increase during a press conference on Wednesday, outlining the government's commitment to improving security. Including previously planned measures, the total justice system budget for 2025 will grow by 10%, reaching 86.7 billion crowns (€7.5 billion). The increase is a response to Sweden's high levels of gun violence, which currently surpass those of any other European Union country.
While there has been a slight reduction in shootings linked to organized crime compared to the same period in 2023, Strommer warned that the situation remains volatile. "There is still a risk of renewed cycles of violence," he cautioned. "Our priority is to restore safety for all law-abiding citizens. This will be achieved by targeting serious violence, disrupting the criminal economy, and preventing the recruitment of minors into gangs."
The Swedish government plans to further increase justice system funding to 100 billion crowns (€8.75 billion), by 2027, up from 69 billion (€6 billion),in 2023. This initiative comes as part of the budget bill for 2025, which is set to be presented to parliament on September 19. The center-right coalition government, which relies on the support of the Sweden Democrats, has made tackling crime a top priority amid rising public concern.
