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Saturday, October 11, 2025

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https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/key-legislative-changes-in-sweden-for-2025/

Sweden

Key legislative changes in Sweden for 2025

Published 2 January 2025
– By Editorial Staff
The Kristersson government is gearing up with a slew of new laws for 2025.
3 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

At the turn of the year, several new laws came into force in Sweden. Laws that affect everything from taxes and the environment to legal certainty and digital accessibility. New earned income tax credit, more expensive unsecured loans, anonymous witnesses allowed and lowered limit for free dental care are some examples.

Below is a selection of several important legislative changes in 2025.

Enhanced earned income tax credit and reduced tax for pensioners

The government has introduced an enhanced earned income tax credit that gives everyone with a monthly income of more than SEK 16,000 a tax cut of an average of SEK 2,600 per year. At a monthly salary of SEK 40,000, the effect fades away.

In addition, the phasing out of the earned income tax credit will be removed, reducing the marginal tax rate from 55% to 52%. Pensioners will also benefit from lower taxes, with an average reduction of around SEK 1 400 per year.

Increased income pension

The income pension will be increased by 4%, which means that a pensioner earning SEK 18,000 a month will receive SEK 720 more from January 2025. For guarantee pensioners, this means an increase of 2.6%.

Tax-free basic rate for savings in investment savings accounts (ISK)

A tax-free basic rate will be introduced for savings in ISK and endowment insurance accounts. In 2025, savings up to SEK 150,000 will be tax-free, with a planned increase to SEK 300,000 in 2026.

Reduced tax on petrol and diesel

From 1 January 2025, the tax on petrol and diesel will be reduced compared to previously decided levels. Further reductions will take effect on 1 July 2025, and these tax rates will also apply in 2026.

Housing allowance extended

The temporary additional allowance linked to the housing allowance will be extended until June 2025, but at a level of 25% of the preliminary housing allowance.

Increased tax on electricity

From the beginning of the year, the tax on electricity will be increased – from SEK 0.428 per kilowatt hour to SEK 0.439 per kilowatt hour (almost SEK 0.55 per kilowatt hour including VAT).

Allowing anonymous witnesses

To strengthen witness protection and counter the culture of silence in criminal circles, it will now be possible to testify anonymously in certain cases. This applies to serious crimes with a minimum sentence of two years’ imprisonment, both during preliminary investigations and in court.

Mandatory textile sorting

From January 1, 2025, it will be mandatory to sort textile waste separately from other waste. This includes clothes, curtains, bags and other textiles. Municipalities will be responsible for the collection and management of textile waste.

Abolition of aviation tax

The previous aviation tax will be abolished on July 1, 2025. This is expected to reduce domestic and intra-European ticket prices by around SEK 80, while travel outside Europe will be around SEK 325 cheaper.

Reduced age limit for free dental care

The age limit for free dental care will be lowered from the beginning of the year. Previously, dental care was free until the year you turned 23; now this only applies until the age of 19. People between the ages of 20 and 23 will instead receive a general dental care allowance of SEK 600 per year.

Requirement for charging points at larger parking lots

After the turn of the year, parking lots with 20 or more spaces must have at least one charging point for electric cars. The requirement applies to almost all parking lots with 20 or more spaces. The exception is certain non-profit organizations, residential buildings and buildings for national defense.

Increased ceiling for rehabilitation grants

The ceiling for rehabilitation grants to employers will be raised from SEK 10,000 to SEK 20,000 per employee per year. The aim is to enable employers to offer employees the necessary rehabilitation.

Strengthened rights for children

Other examples of new laws and regulations to be introduced in 2025 include higher salaries for police trainees, abolition of license requirements for opening hotels or guesthouses, requirements for employers to report maternity and paternity leave to the Swedish Tax Agency, and strengthened rights for children against violence and abuse.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/three-criminal-networks-responsible-for-half-of-gang-violence-in-sweden/

Sweden

Three criminal networks responsible for half of gang violence in Sweden

organized crime

Published 7 October 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Rawa Majid, Mikael Tenezos and Ismail Abdo lead the groups that have committed the most violent crimes during the year.
3 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Foxtrot, Dalen and Rumba – three criminal networks and their leaders bear responsibility for nearly half of all gang violence that has led to personal injuries or deaths in Sweden during 2025.

Despite extensive police operations following the major wave of violence in 2023, the same gang leaders continue to control their organizations and instigate violent acts from abroad, according to an internal situation report obtained by Bonnier newspaper Expressen.

The police report identifies three main actors: Foxtrot led by Rawa “Kurdish Fox” Majid, the Dalen network headed by Mikael “The Greek” Tenezos, and the Rumba network under Ismail “Strawberry” Abdo.

“There are over 50 mapped networks in Sweden that are assessed to have very high violence potential. In light of this, it is remarkable that only three networks are involved in nearly half of the violence that leads to personal injuries and/or deaths”, the police write.

Conflicts between the three networks have somewhat subsided since the 2023 wave of violence, which is reflected in statistics showing a sharp decrease in gun violence, but police simultaneously warn that this does not mean the networks have been weakened. Both Foxtrot and Dalen have instead focused on drug trafficking and carry out violent acts for payment.

Released on bail – now arrested again

The Rumba network is reported to have been weakened since leader Ismail Abdo was arrested by Turkish police in early July 2025. The arrest is considered a major success for Swedish police, as the network is suspected of extensive weapons smuggling and a long series of violent acts.

Abdo had previously been arrested in Turkey in May 2024, when he was armed with a loaded pistol and wearing a bulletproof vest. But he was released after paying the equivalent of approximately €550 in bail.

Smuggling hand grenades from the Balkans

Foxtrot, which is assessed to be the most violence-driven network, has according to police “an established logistics chain for smuggling weapons and hand grenades from the Balkans”. The network has carried out several attacks per month during 2025, primarily to strengthen its position in the drug market.

Among the notable incidents is a series in western Sweden where a shooting and four arson attacks were carried out after the network’s accomplices stole over 30 kilos of cocaine. In another case, three bombing attacks were carried out against a person’s relatives as pressure for that person to start dealing Foxtrot’s narcotics.

Rawa Majid, who left Turkey in autumn 2023, remains at large. Reports have claimed that he was detained in Iran and he has also been accused of orchestrating attacks against Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime.

In January, Majid’s uncle was murdered in Husby, a Stockholm suburb. In an interrogation, Majid’s father said his son had promised not to seek revenge.

— He promised me not to do anything, the father said. When police asked where the son got information about who ordered the murder, the answer was: “He knows everything”.

Police assess that “a critical dependency for the Foxtrot network’s use of violence is likely the strategic persons who are located abroad”.

New wave of violence expected

Mikael Tenezos, the former hockey talent who leads the Dalen network, is in turn wanted in absentia but controls his network from Mexico. Despite repeated appeals from Swedish authorities, most recently in February 2025, he has not yet been arrested.

The Dalen network dominates drug trafficking in northern Sweden, with Gävle as the new central distribution point. The network also carries out violent acts for payment, primarily threats, violence and debt collection for financial criminals. The weapons used have largely come from the Rumba network’s smuggling from Turkey.

Police warn of the risk that a new major conflict could break out if Foxtrot and Dalen clash in the drug market. Both networks are assessed to have the ability to quickly scale up and carry out multiple violent acts in a short time.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/gavle-restaurant-shooting-arrested-13-year-old-known-to-police/

Sweden

Gävle restaurant shooting: Arrested 13-year-old known to police

Deteriorating safety

Published 6 October 2025
– By Editorial Staff
The image is an archive photo.
3 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The arrested 13-year-old suspected of Friday’s restaurant shooting in Gävle, Sweden, was previously known to both police and social services. The incident has sparked strong concern among local residents and led to increased police presence in the area.

Police and social services have confirmed that the suspected 13-year-old is not unknown to authorities and acknowledge having had previous contact with the boy. He is now suspected of six counts of attempted murder and aggravated weapons offenses.

Information from social authorities shows that the boy has connections to a criminal group in Gävle, which has once again highlighted the vulnerability of children and young people and their involvement in gang crime.

Several local residents have expressed their fear and frustration about violence directed at the public in media interviews, calling for both immediate action and long-term solutions.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer are reportedly scheduled to visit Gävle on Monday. During the visit, they are expected to meet with police, municipal representatives, and visit the crime scene on Södra Kungsgatan where six people were injured.

The visit is intended to demonstrate the government’s commitment and willingness to show support, while also reviewing the security situation in Gävle.

Translation: “As I said. We have a f*cking uphill battle to walk, when this is what someone writes to their caseworker at social services after just having shot six people, with unclear outcome regarding survival.

‘Check the news hehe’“.

Translation: “The suspected 14-year-old behind the mass shooting in Gävle Sweden is linked to a local gang in the Sätra district, G15. The gang has previously been involved in several shootings”.

Police: Clear picture of the sequence of events

Following Friday’s shooting, police have increased their presence in the area to create safety and stability.

— This type of incident creates insecurity, which is why we will continue to be visible and available to the public in places where many people move around, says a representative from the investigation section in Gävleborg County.

The investigation is ongoing at full capacity, and police report that they have a clear picture of the sequence of events.

Meanwhile, responsibility for the boy now also lies with social services, which must decide what measures should be taken. It remains unclear whether the arrested boy will continue to be held in custody.

Friday’s serious violent crime in Gävle has once again focused attention on the problem of young people involved in serious crime and gang criminality. Municipal representatives in Gävle have promised to intensify efforts to support vulnerable youth and prevent them from falling into criminal paths.

Six people were injured in the shooting. All were taken to hospital by ambulance, and three of them are still receiving hospital care. The injuries are mainly to the lower body, but police report that none of the injured have life-threatening injuries. The injured are young adults, and one or more are under 18 years old.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/swedish-police-children-killed-while-carrying-out-bombings-for-criminals/

Sweden

Swedish Police: Children killed while carrying out bombings for criminals

Deteriorating safety

Published 2 October 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Police urge parents to be present in their children's lives - both physically and digitally.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The number of bomb attacks in Sweden has increased dramatically – and increasingly, children are being exploited by criminal networks to carry them out.

Swedish police are now sounding the alarm after several young people have been injured and at least one killed while handling hand grenades and explosive charges.

The increase is dramatic. Up to August this year, 119 detonations have occurred in Sweden, compared to 76 during the same period last year, and increasingly it is children and teenagers who are carrying out bombing and arson attacks for gang criminal clients.

There are several documented cases where young people have been seriously injured, and at least one death has occurred when young people have handled explosives and flammable liquids.

— Handling flammable liquids and explosives can be deadly or cause, for example, serious burns, hearing damage or blown-off hands, emphasizes Dan Windt, operational coordinator at the Swedish police’s national operations center.

Hand grenades at preschools

Due to the ruthless exploitation, the Swedish Police Authority has launched a social media campaign targeting young people. The message is clear: never take assignments from criminals and never handle explosives – it is life-threatening. Police also urge parents to be vigilant and recognize warning signs.

— Parents and other important adults need to continue being present in children’s lives both physically and digitally. Ask lots of questions and ask for help. Contact social services in your municipality if the child is contacted by criminals, or alert police at such an early stage if you suspect your child is about to commit a crime, so we can prevent it together, Windt continues.

Many of the bombings have been carried out with smuggled hand grenades used for both revenge and extortion. On several occasions, unexploded hand grenades have been found in residential areas – even at or near preschools.

— An explosive charge or hand grenade can look many different ways. If you discover a suspected dangerous object, you should under no circumstances touch the object, keep a safe distance, warn others and alert police by calling 112, Dan Windt concludes.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/more-young-swedes-skeptical-of-democracy/

Sweden

More young Swedes skeptical of democracy

Published 2 October 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Not even one in four young Swedes believe they have the opportunity to influence society.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Fewer young people believe that democracy is the best way to govern a society, according to a new report from Ungdomsbarometern (Youth Barometer), a Swedish research organization. At the same time, trust in Sweden’s politicians is declining.

This year, 79 percent of young people see democracy as the best alternative for governance, compared to 88 percent in 2021. This development coincides with increased distrust of politicians – 45 percent of young people don’t believe they can solve the problems that exist in Sweden.

Meanwhile, six out of ten young people express increased concern that democracy in Sweden will be weakened.

— When young people look ahead, they do so in a time marked by crises and uncertainty. If you don’t believe that democracy has the power to solve major societal problems, it also becomes harder to feel that your own voice makes a difference, says Ulrik Hoffman, society and skills supply expert at Ungdomsbarometern, in a press release.

Less influence

In 2019, 52 percent of young people believed they had the opportunity to influence society, but now that figure has dropped to 23 percent. Fewer also identify with political identities, such as feminist or anti-racist. Concerns about war, crime and the economy have also increased markedly.

— More young people feel that the issues that worry them today are things they themselves have little power over, says Johanna Göransson, lifestyle and consumption expert at Ungdomsbarometern.

The study, which is conducted annually, is based on responses from 1,450 young people aged 15-24.

It should be noted that Ungdomsbarometern does not clearly define what is meant by democracy in the survey. In Sweden, the term usually refers to parliamentary democracy and the current political system with relatively free elections, separation of powers and protection of certain fundamental rights.

However, some political activists frequently argue that democracy is not just a form of government but also includes specific values within areas such as gender equality, “anti-racism” or climate policy – making democracy synonymous with a particular political agenda rather than a system of governance.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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