Government Investigator: No Need for a National Ban on Begging

There is no need for a national ban on begging, according to the government's special investigator who has examined the issue.

– Begging looks different now than before, says investigator Krister Thelin.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) presents the investigation alongside Krister Thelin, who has concluded that it does not need to be illegal to beg.

– The extent of begging looks different now than it did ten years ago. At the same time, cash is used less, making it unprofitable for vulnerable groups from other countries to come here, says Thelin.

Additionally, municipalities can introduce local bans on begging, and according to Thelin, these are sufficient.

Nine-Month Investigation

The government launched the investigation at the end of September last year. The Sweden Democrats have also been involved in proposing a nationwide ban on begging, which was one of their election promises in the last election.

The reasons given for a ban have included concerns that people who beg may be exploited by criminals.

The task included proposing measures that would ban begging "regardless of stance." Thelin suggests an amendment to the Penal Code but argues that it is not actually necessary.