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Monday, June 30, 2025

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This article was published 2 years ago

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/many-pkk-flags-in-no-to-nato-demonstration-in-stockholm/

Sweden

PKK flags fly high at “No to NATO” manifestation in Stockholm

Published 5 June 2023
– By Editorial Staff
The procession on its way from Norra Bantorget.
3 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

– No to NATO, yes to peace. No Erdoğan laws in Sweden, Erdoğan upside down, were the slogans during Sunday’s No to NATO demonstration in Stockholm, organized by the network Allians mot Nato, which featured a sea of PKK flags among the sympathizers.

– Not a soldier, not a rifle, not a penny for NATO’s military! curious onlookers could hear echoing in Stockholm’s inner city on Sunday afternoon during the No to NATO demonstration. According to police estimates, the demonstration attracted between 500 and 1000 participants.

The background to the demonstration is Sweden’s politically infected application to the US-led military alliance NATO. The formally non-partisan demonstration was in fact dominated by representatives from left-wing political parties – including the Left Party’s Daniel Riazat who was one of the speakers.

Daniel Riazat of Sweden’s Left Party was one of the speakers at Sunday’s demonstration.

In his speech, Riazat was careful to point out that the Left Party “was the only party that voted against the Swedish application to NATO” – which is a half-truth at best, as the Green Party also voted against membership.

Our local correspondent could also report that some of the participants were representatives of radical left-wing organizations Rojavakommittérna, Syndikalisterna, Rättvisepartiet Socialisterna and Left Party youth movement Ung Vänster.

“Want to sabotage Sweden’s application”

A representative of one of the parties present with whom our our correspondent spoke did not hide the fact that they were there “to prevent Swedish membership of NATO – by all means possible”. The same representative clarified that “we choose no other side than that of peace”.

Several participants carried flags and placards with the symbol of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and flags depicting Abdullah Öcalan, the founder and leader of the PKK. Strong rhetoric was directed at NATO’s outgoing Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, US President Joe Biden and, in particular, Turkey’s re-elected President Erdoğan.

Protesters marching towards Mynttorget in Stockholm.

Yesterday’s demonstration could potentially delay, at least in the short term, Sweden getting a green NATO light from Turkey. According to reports, Turkey has tried to get Swedish authorities to stop the demonstration, but this did not happen. Several demonstrations in Sweden have been criticized by Turkish President Erdoğan, who has repeatedly made comments such as “Swedish authorities must prevent PKK members from demonstrating if they are serious about the NATO process”.

Carl Bildt comments

On social media, both sides of the argument have been very vocal since yesterday. Moderate MP Gustaf Göthberg, for example, called Daniel Riazat’s participation a “security risk”.

His tweet reads: “With his vitriolic participation in today’s PKK demonstrations, knowing that Sweden is in the worst security situation in decades, Daniel Riazat’s (V) immature obstruction of Swedish NATO membership is a direct security risk to Sweden.”

Sweden’s former prime minister, NATO advocate Carl Bildt, who recently visited Ankara as the Swedish representative of the Swedish government, was quick to condemn.

However, the participants in the demonstration do not seem to be deterred by statements such as these, and say that the Swedish government and parliament are “doing whatever it takes to join a wartime alliance, thereby bowing to Turkey and dancing to Erdoğan’s tune”.

The manifestation ended at Mynttorget, just next to the Parliament building, with further speeches and chants. Several of the participants were unashamedly and vocally open about supporting the PKK in “its fight against the Turkish dictatorship and its dictator Erdoğan”.

The manifestation ended at Mynttorget.

Our reporter had a chat with representatives of the police who said that the whole thing had been “calm and tidy” without, at least at the time, any reported disturbances.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Rojava is a now effectively autonomous region in north-eastern Syria, south of Turkey, with significant Kurdish influence.

Rojavakomittéerna (The Rojava Committees) describe themselves as "a network for solidarity and exchange with the revolutionary movement in Kurdistan". Their focus is described as "organizing activists in Sweden and coordinating projects aimed at supporting the struggle in Rojava".

The PKK is a Kurdish militant organization primarily based in southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq. Since 1984, it has pursued autonomy and increased political and cultural rights for Kurds within Turkey.

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https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/swedish-government-investigator-sees-no-need-for-national-ban-on-begging/

Sweden

Swedish government investigator sees no need for national ban on begging

Published today 17:44
– By Editorial Staff
Former Supreme Court Justice Krister Thelin presents the investigation report to Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Begging has decreased, local bans are working, and a national ban is not necessary. This is claimed by Court of Appeal Judge Krister Thelin – even as he, commissioned by the government, still proposes criminalizing begging in Sweden.

On Monday, the investigation A National Ban on Begging (Ett nationellt förbud mot tiggeri) was submitted to Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (Moderate Party). Since fall 2024, Thelin has been tasked with evaluating existing regulations and developing possible approaches for a general ban.

However, his own conclusion is clear: he sees no need for a Swedish begging ban today.

– This is partly because the extent of begging looks different than it did ten years ago. With cash being used less frequently, it’s no longer profitable for vulnerable groups who often came to Sweden in organized forms, Thelin said at a press conference on Monday.

Thelin also points out that current legislation provides municipalities with sufficient tools. Several municipalities, including Vellinge, Staffanstorp, and Katrineholm in Sweden, have already implemented local bans on begging in certain areas under the Public Order Act. According to the investigator, this system works well.

Despite this, the investigation includes two concrete legislative proposals to criminalize begging – in line with the government’s directives.

Government’s view is divided

The main proposal in the investigation is to criminalize begging through an amendment to Chapter 16 of the Swedish Criminal Code. According to the proposal, those who beg for their own or their family’s subsistence could be fined. The law change is proposed to take effect on July 1, 2026.

As an alternative, it is proposed to introduce a new provision in the Public Order Act instead. The difference between the two solutions is that the Criminal Code regulates what is legally defined as public space, while the Public Order Act applies to public places.

– The directives were so clever that they say regardless of what I think about introducing a begging ban or not, I should come up with a proposal in that direction.

The issue of a national begging ban has long been politically sensitive in Sweden. It has been a signature issue for the Sweden Democrats (SD) and was included as an election promise in the 2022 election. The Tidö Agreement, signed between SD and the government parties, stipulates that the issue should be investigated – but not that a ban should automatically be implemented.

The government parties are divided on the issue. The Moderate Party shares SD’s position and wants to see a national ban. However, the Christian Democrats are more hesitant, and the Liberal Party has clearly opposed criminalization.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/soaring-weapons-prices-risk-consuming-swedens-nato-buildup/

Sweden

Soaring weapons prices risk consuming Sweden’s NATO buildup

The new cold war

Published today 8:21
– By Editorial Staff
It remains unclear how much weapons and equipment Sweden's multi-billion investment in defense will actually cover in the end.
3 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Sweden is building up its military like never before – but it’s far from certain that the investments will have the desired effect. Weapons manufacturers’ prices for arms and ammunition have soared, and a large part of the military build-up risks being consumed by increased costs.

– Then we won’t become more dangerous to the adversary, emphasizes Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Chief of Joint Operations at the Swedish Armed Forces.

According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the war in Ukraine has shown how quickly ammunition and weapon systems are consumed in modern conflicts, and Sweden’s own stockpiles are dimensioned for training and deterrence – not for prolonged combat.

– When it comes to ammunition, we may not have bought as much as we would need in actual combat. Instead, we’ve bought what we think we need for training and maintaining sufficient deterrence, Skoog Haslum tells TT news agency.

To meet the threat, stockpiles must be built up, and Swedish defense industry must be able to quickly scale up production if war breaks out.

Defense industry positive about closer collaboration

The development of new weapons is also accelerating. In Ukraine, for example, new weapon systems, such as marine drones, have been met with countermeasures within just four to six weeks. In Sweden, however, it can take years – sometimes decades – from order to delivery.

To shorten lead times, the Swedish Armed Forces wants to test unfinished products directly in exercises, in close collaboration with the defense industry.

– I believe we’ll become better as Armed Forces, but I also think the industry would develop faster, the Vice Admiral continues.

Defense industry representatives are positive, and Lena Gillström, CEO of Swedish defense company BAE Systems Bofors and chairperson of the Security and Defense Companies Association, sees great benefits in reducing the distance between users and developers.

– By maintaining close dialogue with those who use the systems, we can also see which problems need to be solved. I believe this will be crucial for achieving speed in the system, she says.

She is prepared to send company engineers to exercises to adjust gun turrets and artillery systems in the field – something that currently happens very rarely.

Swedish Parliament wants to borrow €27 billion

As more countries build up their military, the demand for both weapons and ammunition increases – and consequently, prices rise. Ewa Skoog Haslum sees a clear risk that the increased defense allocations won’t translate into actual combat power.

– Absolutely, it’s a risk, and then we won’t get more capability for the Armed Forces. Then we won’t become more dangerous to the adversary, instead we’ll have spent the money on more expensive items, she explains.

The defense budget for 2025 amounts to 143 billion SEK (€13 billion) – a ten percent increase compared to the previous year. This corresponds to 2.4 percent of GDP according to NATO’s calculation model. But to reach NATO’s new goals – 3.5 percent for military defense plus 1.5 percent for civil defense – an additional 70 billion SEK (€6.2 billion) per year is required.

The Swedish Parliament is prepared to borrow up to 300 billion SEK (€27 billion) to accelerate the military build-up and reach the goals by 2032. Of this amount, 50 billion SEK (€4.5 billion) is earmarked for civil defense.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/hundreds-of-gang-members-control-swedish-crime-from-abroad/

Sweden

Hundreds of gang members control Swedish crime from abroad

organized crime

Published today 7:01
– By Editorial Staff
A total of 124 internationally wanted criminals with connections to Swedish criminal networks have been arrested in other countries this year.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Hundreds of gang criminals have left Sweden – but continue to pull the strings from abroad.

According to the Swedish Police Authority, around 700 individuals have been identified, and the authority is now intensifying its international efforts to strike back against gangs trying to organize from safe distances.

– As we have developed and changed our working methods, criminals have moved to other countries. Initially, this happened to other European countries, but increasingly to countries outside Europe and the Schengen area, says Stefan Hector, Deputy National Police Commissioner of Sweden, in a press release.

So far this year, 124 internationally wanted persons with connections to Swedish crime have been arrested abroad. This represents a significant increase compared to last year, when the total number of arrests was 86.

According to Hector, it is challenging to apprehend gang leaders and other key figures in countries where legal systems and legislation differ significantly from Sweden’s. To address this, the Swedish Police has initiated cooperation with several key countries – including Turkey, the USA, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.

– This is difficult and demanding work, and we are working intensively, primarily to build relationships and cooperation with other countries, as we face common problems, he explains.

Beyond arrests, the police are also trying to stop the growing digital recruitment of young people into serious crime. The phenomenon, where gangs lure youth to carry out acts of violence through so-called violence-as-a-service, often resembles regular job advertisements.

The Swedish Police now leads an international task force called OTF Grimm, in collaboration with Europol and authorities from seven other countries, aimed at countering recruitment and violence-for-hire schemes spread online.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/watchdog-swedish-food-prices-higher-than-justified/

Sweden

Watchdog: Swedish food prices higher than justified

Welfare collapse

Published yesterday 12:42
– By Editorial Staff
Between 2021-2023, food prices in Sweden increased by 28 percent - an inflationary spiral unprecedented in modern Swedish history.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Between 2021 and 2023, food prices in Sweden rose by over 28 percent – a price development not seen in decades. Now, the Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket) has released a report showing that price increases on several basic food items in stores have exceeded what can be explained by increased costs in the supply chain.

The authority points to lack of competition, particularly in the grocery retail sector, as a crucial factor behind the high prices.

The Competition Authority’s report – a follow-up to a previous analysis from 2024 – shows that grocery retail, food industry, and its wholesalers have maintained stable profitability over the past 15 years – even during the period when food prices rose sharply.

According to the authority, this means that price increases in stores cannot be explained solely by increased costs, but that retailers in many cases have raised prices more than cost developments would justify.

Our analysis shows that profitability in the industry has remained stable for a long time, even during the years when prices rose sharply. This reinforces our previous assessment that competition in parts of the food supply chain is insufficient, says Director General Marie Östman.

Competition deficiencies in focus

The Swedish Competition Authority concludes that high market concentration, barriers to entry for new players, and restrictions in trade agreements contribute to keeping prices high.

ICA, Sweden’s largest grocery retailer with a market share of around 50 percent, is being specifically investigated to determine if the company’s actions may have limited competition.

– Well-functioning competition drives down prices and improves efficiency. The overall picture from our analyses shows that there is room for improvement, particularly in the retail sector, which ultimately can benefit consumers and moderate store prices, says Marie Östman.

Recent years’ soaring food price increases have had a noticeable negative effect on many households. Photo: Daria Obymaha/Pexels

The unjustified price increases affect household economies, especially for low-income earners and pensioners where food costs constitute a large part of their budget.

Several basic goods such as butter, bread, cheese, and potatoes have seen particularly large price increases in stores, exceeding cost increases from suppliers.

Food prices have repeatedly sparked debate in the Riksdag , and among consumer organizations demanding stricter regulations to counter market power and promote competition.

The Swedish Competition Authority continues its investigation of the grocery retail sector and intends to propose measures to increase competition and improve market functionality.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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