Sweden, once a shining example of socio-economic success and high global happiness rankings, has deteriorated into a symbol of failed integration policies. Once celebrated for its safety, democracy, and human rights, the country now faces severe challenges following its decision to open immigration channels primarily from Muslim-majority nations without adequate vetting.
Personal security has dramatically declined, becoming a major issue in recent elections. In 2022, a significant shift occurred as one in five Swedish voters backed the far-right Swedish Democrats—a party with neo-Nazi origins—offering populist solutions to tackle soaring crime rates and stringent immigration controls. This move underscored growing discontent over the failure to effectively integrate new arrivals and curb escalating gang violence.
Sweden, now grappling with unprecedented crime rates, has become known as the world's rape capital, as well as a hotspot for gang wars, shootings, and firearm-related murders. In 2022 alone, the country witnessed 363 shootings resulting in 53 fatalities—double the number from 2013. Stockholm's shooting rate stands at 25 times higher than London’s, with 147 explosions reported that year.
The nation's standing in violent crime is stark: it ranks second globally in murders per capita, trailing only Albania, and has seen a dramatic rise from its 2010 position of 14th. While the average firearm-related murder rate in Western Europe is 1.6 per million residents, Sweden’s rate has surged to four per million, with expectations for further increases in 2023.
Much of the illegal weaponry and explosives come from the former Yugoslavia, with social media advertisements offering dangerous deals like "buy an AK-47, get a grenade free." Swedish gangs operate under the influence of crime bosses who have been deported but continue to orchestrate violence from abroad, with countries such as Turkey and Algeria being common points of origin.
* Ynet contributed to this article.
