The Swedish Civil Defense Minister, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, has been criticized for not pledging more funding to enhance the country's readiness amidst the deteriorating security situation in Europe, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Despite allocating 5.5 billion kronor from the state budget for civil defense, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) indicates that around 20 billion kronor annually is required for effective readiness against armed attacks.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson has hinted at possible tax cuts, even as municipalities and regions warn of impending budget cuts due to insufficient state grants.

In a separate event, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's recent speech on the expectations that come with Swedish citizenship, including the potential need to defend the country with one's life, has been interpreted as a coded message targeting newly naturalized citizens.

Critics argue this 'dog whistle' tactic is a divisive approach aimed at winning points and sowing distrust, even in times of looming war threats.