Sweden increases budget for justice system to combat rising crime

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

The Scandinavian country has experienced serious gang violence, often involving minors, and has the highest per capita rate of gun violence in the European Union. While organized crime-related shootings have decreased this year compared to the same period in 2023, Strommer stressed the continued risk of renewed violence.

“There’s still a lot bubbling under the surface,” Strommer said. “Our goal is to restore safety for all citizens of Sweden by cracking down on serious violence, dismantling the criminal economy and preventing young people from joining gangs.”

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

(With input from agencies.)