Sweden's controversial move: Banning begging amid critiques

The problem of homelessness affects residents in all countries. Sudden job loss, financial issues, high rental and housing prices in the real estate market, and expensive medical treatment are just a few reasons people lose their homes. Each case should be analyzed individually. Contrary to common and harmful stereotypes, homelessness is not always caused by alcohol or drugs. People in crisis often seek help, but the system does not always meet their needs.

The Swedish government is currently under scrutiny. This is due to a proposal by the center-right coalition, with support from the far-right Sweden Democrats, to consider implementing a ban on begging. This new law would be preceded by a months-long study evaluating the possibility of introducing a nationwide ban.

On Monday, September 30, a press conference was held where Linda Lindberg, leader of the Sweden Democrats, criticized foreigners who come to Sweden to "beg outside their stores." She added that Sweden cannot serve as "Europe's conscience."

The Christian organization Stockholms Stadsmission, which cares for people in crisis due to homelessness, unequivocally condemned the idea of implementing a ban on begging. The organization's spokesperson, Fanny Siltberg, said in an interview with "To ban begging, or to require permission to beg, is just shifting the problem in a futile attempt to outlaw poverty. Instead, we believe that this group’s vulnerability can be reduced through structural poverty reduction and work against discrimination – both in home countries and within the EU. It is long-term work. In the meantime, society needs to take responsibility, for example offering paths into the workplace and housing market and in that way reduce the social vulnerability of these people."

Aida Samani, deputy legal director of the human rights organization Civil Rights Defenders, expressed a similar opinion. "It is remarkable that the government is prioritising this in a situation that they themselves describe as a crisis of organised and violent crime. Then there is the question of the lawfulness of a ban. As far as I can see a national ban on begging would most likely not be lawful," she emphasized in an interview with "The Guardian." According to Samani, the ban would violate the right to privacy and freedom of expression outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights.