Swedish government accused of trying to 'ban poverty' with begging ban plans | Sweden

The Swedish government has been accused of trying to “outlaw poverty” after it unveiled plans for a nationwide ban on begging.

The center-right coalition, backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats, has announced a nine-month investigation into implementing a national ban on begging, saying such a ban could become law if deemed feasible.

At a press conference on Monday, Sweden Democrats group leader Linda Lindberg took aim at people she said were coming from other EU countries “to beg in front of shops”. Sweden cannot act as “Europe’s conscience,” she said.

But Stockholm's Stadsmission, a Christian social organization that works with vulnerable people in the capital, condemned the move. Fanny Siltberg, a spokeswoman, said: “Banning begging or requiring permission to beg is just shifting the problem in a vain attempt to ban poverty.”

She added: “Instead, we believe that the vulnerability of this group can be reduced through structural poverty reduction and the fight against discrimination – both in home countries and within the EU.” It is long-term work. In the meantime, society must take responsibility, for example by offering routes into the labor market and the housing market, thereby reducing the social vulnerability of these people.”

Aida Samani, deputy legal director of civil rights group Civil Rights Defenders, said the government could face legal action if it implements the proposal.

“It is remarkable that the government is prioritizing this issue in a situation that it describes as a violent organized crime crisis,” she said. “Then the question arises as to the legality of a ban. As far as I can tell, a nationwide ban on begging would most likely not be legal.”

A ban on begging, she added, violates the right to private life and freedom of expression, as expressed in the European Convention on Human Rights and enshrined in the Swedish constitution.

The government said begging in Sweden has increased since the early 2010s. However, Samani questioned the extent to which begging was a problem for the country.

Civil rights advocates said they were monitoring the situation and could launch a legal challenge if it becomes law.

The proposed begging ban is part of a general shift toward “more repressive policies” in crime and migration policy, Samani said, and a “disregard for human rights and freedoms.”

The proposal, which has been in the works since the government was formed two years ago, has already caused disagreements within the coalition of Moderates, Liberals and Christian Democrats.

Anna Starbrink, a Liberal MP, wrote on Facebook: “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 prohibited from asking for help.”

The Sweden Democrats support the government from outside.