The Sweden Democrats and the Christian Democrats want Sweden to consider reintroducing anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions in its defense. The proposal involves leaving the Ottawa Treaty and the Cluster Munitions Convention, which is causing debate and dividing the government on the issue.

The Christian Democrats and Sweden Democrats cite the “global security situation” as a reason for the proposal, arguing that a “changed security situation requires new strategies”.

Both parties want an investigation into how anti-personnel landmines can be used for defense purposes and also propose that Sweden withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits such weapons.

– There is no peace that lasts forever. We know that Russia, North Korea and other antagonists wage war in completely different ways that create a disadvantage for us, says Aron Emilsson (SD) to the tax-funded Swedish Radio Ekot.

Anti-personnel mines are a type of landmine that is banned under international agreements that Sweden has signed. The parties also want to examine the possibility of reconsidering the ban on cluster munitions, arguing that these weapons could “strengthen Sweden’s defense capability”.

Sharp criticism of the SD and KD’s U-turn is flowing on social media, while others are cheering a possible lifting of the ban.

Expressen tar parti för att Sverige ska lämna Ottawakonventionen och tillåta truppminor.

”Tills dess kan vi inte bakbinda oss själva enligt konventioner som våra motståndare förkastar.” https://t.co/jeioYjjSJB

— Observationsplatsen (@oplatsen) November 30, 2024

“An insurance policy”

Mikael Oscarsson (KD) compares the reintroduction of anti-personnel mines to having an insurance policy.

– It’s a deterrent, if Russia knows that we have these weapons, we may never have to use them, says Oscarsson.

However, the Moderates distance themselves from the proposal and emphasize that there is no ongoing process within the party to change Sweden’s position on anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions.

– Sweden stands behind the Ottawa Convention and the Cluster Munitions Convention, writes Jörgen Berglund (M), member of the parliamentary defense committee, in a text message to Ekot.

Liberals silent on the issue

The proposal has also raised questions about how it affects Sweden’s international commitments. The governing Liberal Party has so far chosen not to comment on the matter, while other parties have not yet taken a position.

The Ottawa Treaty, adopted in 1997, aims to eliminate landmines globally. However, several states, including the United States, China and Russia, have not signed the treaty.

Sweden has been a party to the treaty since 1997, and for a long time distinguished itself as a proponent of peaceful solutions to international conflicts. Sweden’s almost forced entry into the US-led NATO military alliance changed the situation overnight.