The Swedish government is advancing a controversial proposal to expand its crisis powers during peacetime emergencies—raising alarm among civil liberties advocates and legal experts. The reform, which would allow the government to act swiftly without prior parliamentary approval, is being met with sharp criticism despite broad political support.
Under the proposal, constitutional amendments would empower the Swedish government to make temporary decisions—valid for up to three months—in response to serious incidents like cyberattacks, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or pandemics. These emergency measures, though not permitted to alter the constitution itself, could be enacted immediately in critical situations, with parliamentary approval sought afterward.
Expanded Sweden Crisis Powers in Peace
According to Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer, the purpose of these expanded Sweden crisis powers is to ensure national safety and effective governance when time-sensitive crises strike.
“The government needs the right tools to govern the country,” said Strömmer.
In urgent cases—such as nuclear accidents, IT disruptions, or major financial shocks—the government could invoke a so-called activation decision, triggering temporary executive authority without waiting for a parliamentary vote.
However, regulations issued under these emergency powers must be submitted to the Riksdag within one week and approved within a month. Otherwise, they are automatically nullified. A three-quarters majority in the Riksdag would be required to approve the use of these powers retroactively.
Critics Warn of Authoritarian Risk
While the government claims the proposal protects democratic integrity, critics argue the opposite. Major institutions, including the Swedish Union of Journalists, Stockholm District Court, and labor confederation LO, have condemned the bill as dangerously open to abuse.
The Swedish Union of Journalists warned that the powers could one day be exploited by a more authoritarian administration to sideline parliament and push through repressive policies.
“A future government could bypass democratic checks under the guise of emergency,” the union stated.
Concerns have also spread on social media, where users warn that the proposal could lead to a permanent erosion of democratic accountability—especially if “emergency” conditions become too loosely defined.
Safeguards or Slippery Slope?
To alleviate fears, the bill includes several safeguards. The Riksdag would retain ultimate authority and could revoke emergency decisions. Additionally, the law allows for parliament to meet digitally or outside of Stockholm in extreme situations, ensuring continuity even in a national crisis.
Still, critics maintain that even these checks may not be enough. Once the precedent is set, they argue, future governments may find ways to normalize the use of Sweden crisis powers, undermining democratic norms in the process.
The legislation is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, pending final approval. With seven of eight major parties in support, its passage seems likely—but the debate around it has only just begun.
Source article posted here: https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/swedish-government-seeks-expanded-powers-during-emergencies/
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Author: Sean Probber
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