The Swedish government wants to have more power to act quickly in serious crises during peacetime – without having to wait for approval from parliament.
The proposal has been met with strong criticism from several sides, with people warning that it paves the way for abuse of power and risks undermining democratic principles.
A new bill proposes constitutional amendments that would allow decisions on temporary measures in situations such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks.
The proposed changes to the constitution are said to be aimed at enabling the government to act more quickly in crises, even in peacetime.
By delegating special powers from the Riksdag, the government will be able to issue temporary regulations that are valid for up to three months. However, these may not change or repeal the constitution.
– The government needs the right tools to govern the country, Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M) states.
Spread of infection and cyber attacks
In particularly urgent cases, the government will be able to take a so-called activation decision – a form of state of emergency – to take immediate action without the prior approval of the Riksdag. This is said to be relevant in events such as:
• Nuclear accidents
• Natural disasters
• Extensive spread of infectious diseases
• Terrorist attacks
• Major financial crises
• Extensive IT disruptions or cyberattacks
The government itself claims that the reform is necessary to protect society and safeguard democratic governance in emergency situations where crucial decisions must be made very quickly.
“Ensures separation of powers”
However, several organizations, including LO, the Swedish Union of Journalists, and the Stockholm District Court, have sharply criticized the proposal. The Swedish Union of Journalists warns that a future authoritarian government could use these powers to implement changes without the support of the Riksdag, which in practice risks undermining democracy.
To limit the risks, the government claims that it will only be able to use these powers if it is clear that the Riksdag’s decision cannot be delayed.
An activation decision must also be approved retrospectively by a three-quarters majority in the Riksdag. If regulations are not submitted to parliament within a week or approved within a month, they cease to apply immediately, it is stated.
– This ensures the separation of powers and reduces the scope for a government with more despotic ambitions to take liberties, argues Gunnar Strömmer.
– In practice, the Riksdag always has the final say, he assures us.
Concerns about abuse
The bill also contains proposals to allow the Riksdag to meet in locations other than Stockholm in the event of serious crises. In addition, digital meetings will be made possible to ensure that the Riksdag can function even under extreme conditions.
The legislative changes, which are proposed to come into force on January 1, 2027, are based on a report supported by seven of the eight parties in parliament.
Despite broad political support, the proposal has raised concerns among critics. On social media, many warn that the changes could reduce the influence of the people even more than today and lead to abuse of power, as well as being misused to introduce various totalitarian and repressive measures.
