The Swedish government has announced plans to introduce tougher criminal sentencing laws ahead of the country’s September general election, aiming to strengthen its response to crime and repeat offenders. The proposed legislation would encourage courts to impose harsher penalties by making greater use of the upper end of sentencing ranges and ensuring that multiple offences are more fully reflected in prison terms.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said the current system often fails to adequately punish repeat offenders because sentences are largely based on the most serious offence rather than the total number of crimes committed. Under the proposed reforms, courts would consider all offences when determining sentences. The government also plans to reduce the weight given to mitigating factors, such as the impact of imprisonment on a person’s employment.

The measures are part of Sweden’s broader crackdown on gang-related crime, which has remained a major political issue despite a decline in shootings in recent years. The right-wing government has already introduced stricter laws, including tougher penalties for gang offences, expanded police surveillance powers and prison sentences for offenders as young as 14, as it seeks to reassure voters ahead of the election.

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