Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Sweden's Defense Plans Face Uncertainty

Sweden's defense strategy is under scrutiny as the government plans to significantly increase its defense budget, aiming to quadruple it by 2030. Despite these ambitious plans, several challenges threaten their execution.

4 h

Politics

Sweden Boosts Defense Spending Amid Global Tensions

The Swedish government has announced a significant increase in defense spending, allocating 174 billion kronor to military defense and 37. 5 billion kronor to civil defense by 2030.

8 h

Politics

Sahlgrenska Doctors Suspended Amid Abuse Claims

Two senior doctors at Sahlgrenska University Hospital's adult psychiatry department have been suspended following allegations of abusive behavior towards patients. An investigation by the P1 program Kaliber revealed that the doctors were involved in inappropriate patient interactions and premature discharges of suicidal patients.

Yesterday

Health

Bollnäs Water Safe After Sabotage Scare

Residents of Bollnäs can now safely drink tap water again after recent concerns over water safety. The alarm was raised following a break-in at a local water reservoir, leading to fears of contamination.

Yesterday

Local News

Second Arrest in Gothenburg Shooting

In a recent development, a second suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting at the Israeli defense technology company, Elbit Systems, in Gothenburg. The incident occurred last Thursday when shots were fired at the company's premises.

Yesterday

Crime

Teen Fatally Struck on E18: Driver Arrested

A tragic accident occurred on the E18 in Vallentuna, Sweden, where a teenage boy was fatally struck by a vehicle during the early hours of Sunday. The incident was discovered by ambulance personnel who were passing by, and they immediately alerted the authorities.

Yesterday

Crime

Water Contamination Alert in Bollnäs

Residents of Bollnäs and Freluga in Gävleborg County are advised to boil their water before consumption following a break-in at a local water reservoir. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when intruders forced entry into the Helsingevatten water tower.

13 October, 12:45

Public Safety

Sabotage Threatens Water Safety in Bollnäs

Residents of Bollnäs and Freluga in Bollnäs municipality have been advised to boil their water before consumption following a suspected sabotage at the local waterworks. Early Sunday morning, police were alerted to a break-in at the water tower, prompting a public warning about potentially unsafe drinking water.

13 October, 08:06

Local News

Vegetarian Meals in Schools Not Discriminatory

In several Swedish municipalities, students who abstain from eating pork for religious reasons are now offered vegetarian meals on days when pork is served in schools. This change in policy has led to around 20 complaints being filed with the Discrimination Ombudsman (DO), as some students feel discriminated against.

12 October, 10:20

Education

Stockholm's Parking App Controversy

Stockholm's decision to discontinue its free parking app, "Betala P," has led to confusion and frustration among residents. The city now directs users to commercial apps, which often impose additional fees, contrary to initial promises of no extra costs.

12 October, 01:38

Local News

Iran's Influence on Swedish Gangs Unveiled

Recent reports reveal that Iran is exerting pressure on Swedish gang leaders to carry out violent attacks in Europe. The Foxtrot network, led by Rawa Majid, is allegedly involved in attacks on Israeli embassies in Stockholm and Copenhagen, believed to be orchestrated by Iran.

10 October, 23:31

International

Teachers' Union Opposes Informant Law

The Swedish Teachers' Union, Sveriges Lärare, has pledged legal support for educators who defy a proposed law requiring them to report undocumented students. This controversial "informant law" is part of a government investigation aimed at addressing the growing issue of illegal residency in Sweden.

10 October, 23:31

Politics

Fake Parking Fines Target Drivers

The Swedish Transport Agency has issued a warning about a surge in fraudulent emails targeting drivers with fake parking fines. These emails, which mimic official communications from the agency, urge recipients to pay fines for alleged illegal parking.

10 October, 23:31

Crime

Hurricane Kirk's Impact Diminishes in Sweden

The much-anticipated storm, Hurricane Kirk, which was initially classified as a Category 4 hurricane, lost its intensity as it approached Europe, leading to a milder impact than expected in Sweden. Despite early warnings from media and emergency services, including advice from Stockholm's fire department to work from home, the storm's effects were less severe.

10 October, 19:04

Weather

Jonas Falk Faces Trial in Extortion Case

Jonas Falk, a notorious figure previously linked to major drug smuggling operations, has been extradited from Spain to Sweden, where he now faces charges of attempted extortion and arson. The case revolves around an alleged extortion scheme targeting Joachim Kuylenstierna, former CEO of the investment company Fastator.

10 October, 19:04

Crime

Stockholm's 2025 Budget: Health and Transit Focus

Region Stockholm has unveiled its 2025 budget, prioritizing healthcare and public transportation amidst a challenging economic landscape. The budget, presented by the coalition of Social Democrats, Center Party, and Green Party, with support from the Left Party, aims to enhance primary healthcare by allocating 180 million SEK to hire more general practitioners, addressing the need for better patient continuity.

10 October, 14:35

Politics

Swedish Politics Rocked by Scandals

This autumn has been marked by a series of political scandals in Sweden, affecting several major parties. The Left Party faced backlash after some of its politicians were found spreading antisemitic content online, leading to internal debates and the departure of two members.

10 October, 05:31

Politics

Sexual Abuse Allegations Rock Flen Preschool

In Flen, Sweden, new allegations of sexual abuse have emerged against a preschool employee, who is currently in custody on suspicion of aggravated child rape. The accusations involve the same preschool where the man worked, with approximately five reports filed, according to police.

10 October, 01:12

Sexual Assault

Botkyrka's Misuse of Anti-Gang Funds Exposed

Botkyrka municipality in Sweden is under scrutiny after it was revealed that government funds intended to combat gang recruitment among youth were misused. A significant portion of the grant, over 600,000 kronor, was allocated to a PR campaign for a local community center, Albys hjärta.

9 October, 11:34

Local News

Åkesson's Wedding Sparks Political Controversy

Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, faces intense scrutiny after a controversial guest attended his wedding. The guest, identified as a leader of the criminal motorcycle gang Comanches, has raised questions about Åkesson's connections to organized crime.

9 October, 07:14

Politics

Sweden's Moose Hunt Faces New Challenges

The annual moose hunt in Blekinge, Sweden, faces significant changes this year due to a weakened moose population. Only 200 moose are permitted to be hunted, marking the lowest quota in over 40 years.

9 October, 02:42

Environment

Former Hockey Star Faces Rape Charges

A former Swedish Hockey League (SHL) player has been charged with rape, following allegations of assaulting a woman after a night out. The incident reportedly occurred earlier this year at the player's residence, where the woman was allegedly in a vulnerable state due to intoxication and fatigue.

8 October, 22:29

Crime

Storm Kirk Approaches Sweden with Force

Storm Kirk is set to hit Sweden by the end of the week, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Meteorologists warn of wind speeds reaching up to 25 meters per second and rainfall of 30-40 millimeters, particularly affecting western regions like Vänern and Norrland.

8 October, 18:07

Weather

Sweden Updates Crisis Preparedness Guide

The Swedish government is distributing an updated crisis preparedness brochure, "If Crisis or War Comes," to households starting November 18. This 31-page guide, an expansion from its 2018 version, emphasizes self-sufficiency for at least a week in the event of a crisis or war.

8 October, 18:07

Safety

Sweden Proposes Ban on Cousin Marriages

The Swedish government has proposed a ban on cousin marriages, aiming to address issues of honor-related violence and oppression. This proposal, part of the Tidö Agreement, also seeks to prohibit marriages between other close relatives, such as uncles and nieces, and to remove existing dispensations for half-siblings.

8 October, 13:36

Politics