Sweden vows to crack down on organized crime as gangs grow to 'breathtaking' numbers
FOX NewsAPR 2023
Swedish Government Considers Begging Ban
Above: A male beggar from a former Eastern Bloc country was observed soliciting on a pedestrian street in Malmö on March 13, 2014. Image copyright: Francis Dean/Contributor/Corbis News via Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
Introducing national legislation that prohibits begging is a highly popular absolute necessity. It's unreasonable for individuals to travel across half of Europe to beg outside of stores, as this contributes to increasing illicit activity in the country. Implementing a ban on begging by the end of June 2025 would actually align with international agreements and human rights principles.
Left narrative
A nationwide ban on begging is wrong. Poverty is a structural problem and should be addressed by home countries and the EU in long-term poverty reduction programs. A ban on begging would most likely be in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is enshrined in the Swedish constitution. If the government goes ahead with a ban, it will face heavy legal opposition.