The Swedish government is now allocating an additional €900,000 to long-term work against “racism, antisemitism, antiziganism, anti-Muslim and anti-Black racism as well as discrimination against the Sami people”.

The initiative builds on the national action plan that the government has used for several years to combat alleged discrimination and prejudice.

The measures will continue to be implemented within schools, working life, welfare and the justice system and will be coordinated by, among others, the Forum for Living History (a Swedish government agency). The goal is to combat everything from “hate crimes” to subtle prejudices, and the efforts are to continue at least until 2029.

— Racism is not just an attack on the individual person – it is a threat to our entire democracy. We can never accept that people’s rights and life chances are limited by prejudice and discrimination. That is why we are now taking a long-term approach to the work against racism. It requires perseverance, continuity and political will – and that is exactly what we are delivering, says Swedish Gender Equality Minister Nina Larsson (L).

Critics point out, however, that Sweden according to several international comparisons is among the world’s least racism-affected countries and that the problems often exist on the margins.

Trots att regeringen skjuter till tiotals nya skattemiljoner i kampen mot rasism saknas en avgörande pusselbit i satsningen. Hat och våld mot svenskar nämns inte – trots växande larm från både forskare och riksdagspolitiker.https://t.co/eDduXR0H6I pic.twitter.com/Mqa9obF1QT

— Anders Dahlqvist, värdegrundsbrottsling™ (@genusfrenologen) September 24, 2025

Symbolic action or real change?

Current and previous Swedish governments’ recurring focus on the “fight against racism” can be perceived as disproportionate, and some question whether the resources are being used effectively, or whether it is more about a political symbolic action.

At the same time, there are studies that indicate that certain groups, for example Afro-Swedes, face discrimination within important areas of society. It is a balancing act between acknowledging real problems and avoiding magnifying them into general societal crises.

The Swedish government repeatedly emphasizes that racism is “a threat to the entire democracy”, and that a sustained, long-term approach is therefore required.

In comment sections and on social media, however, many Swedes wonder when the “fight against racism” transitions into becoming a routine and unjustified political doctrine in a society that is already ranked among the most tolerant and welcoming in the world.