Sweden vows to crack down on organized crime as gangs grow to 'breathtaking' numbers
FOX NewsJun 03, 2023
Swedish Government Considers Begging Ban
Above: A male beggar from a former Eastern Bloc country was observed soliciting on a pedestrian street in Malmö on March 13, 2014. Image copyright: Francis Dean/Contributor/Corbis News via Getty Images
The Facts
The government of Sweden is reportedly considering implementing a controversial national begging ban policy. Critics allege that the government is attempting to "outlaw poverty."
Sweden's center-right government, backed by the right-wing Sweden Democrats (SD), has long opposed begging. "Begging was rare in Sweden until the early 2010s when many EU citizens came from other countries..." said SD lawmaker Linda Lindberg during a Monday press conference on the issue.
The Spin
Right narrative
Introducing national legislation that prohibits begging is a highly popular absolute necessity. It's unreasonable for individuals to travel across half of Europe to beg outside of stores, as this contributes to increasing illicit activity in the country. Implementing a ban on begging by the end of June 2025 would actually align with international agreements and human rights principles.
Left narrative
A nationwide ban on begging is wrong. Poverty is a structural problem and should be addressed by home countries and the EU in long-term poverty reduction programs. A ban on begging would most likely be in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is enshrined in the Swedish constitution. If the government goes ahead with a ban, it will face heavy legal opposition.