Sweden's court system is facing a significant challenge in recruiting judges, with a record low number of applicants for vacant positions in 2023. Despite the prestige and high salary associated with the role, twelve recruitment cases had to be abandoned last year due to a lack of applicants.

The shortage has been attributed to a saturated job market following rapid hiring in recent years and intense competition for qualified lawyers.

Efforts to address the shortage include increasing training positions and encouraging non-traditional applicants.

However, concerns about workload and the public disclosure of applicants' identities are believed to be deterrents.