Swedish political parties unanimously believe that dual citizens should lose their citizenship if they commit crimes that threaten national security.

A cross-party committee suggested the change could apply to anyone who obtained citizenship through bribery or false information; and if they committed crimes that posed a threat to the state or fell under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

But the minority government has stopped short of proposing to revoke gang citizenship.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömer said Sweden was dealing with “violent extremism, state actors with a hostile attitude towards Sweden and systemic organized crime”.

Under the Swedish constitution, revocation of citizenship is currently not allowed and parliament will vote on changing the law next year.

The center-left opposition party said revoking the citizenship of gang criminals would go too far because deciding how to define the law would be difficult.

However, Sweden’s centre-right ruling party, backed by the more militant anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, wants reforms to address a sharp rise in gang crime and high rates of gun homicides.

“The proposals I received today will not make it possible for us to take back Swedish citizenship from gang leaders in overseas criminal networks who direct shootings, bombings and murders on Swedish streets,” Strömer told Swedish radio.

The government noted that citizenship in neighboring Denmark could already be revoked for behavior that “seriously harms the country’s vital interests.” The law was recently expanded to include some forms of serious gang crime.

Sweden’s minority government has also moved to tighten rules for applying for citizenship.

Immigration Minister Johan Forssell said police reported 600 applications last year from people deemed to pose a threat to national security.

From June 2026, anyone seeking a Swedish passport will generally have to live in the country for eight years, instead of the current five years. Swedish language and social skills tests will also be included.

Fussell said it was “too easy” to be Swedish and that it should be something to be proud of: “We will build a united Sweden in which Swedish citizenship is even more important.”

“Girls and boys have the right to swim and play football. If you don’t accept that, Sweden is not the place for you.”

Sweden Democrats leader Jimmy Akerson wants the government to go further and require new citizens to take an oath of allegiance to Sweden.

However, this did not figure in the recommendations of the government inquiry.

Survey author Kirsti Laakso Utvik said the changes would bring Sweden closer to other European countries.