Sweden's defense budget has seen significant increases in recent years, reaching the NATO target of 2% of GDP.

However, the Defense Committee is advocating for an even larger budget, proposing a rise to 2.6% by 2030, which translates to an additional 40 billion SEK.

This has sparked a debate on whether these funds could be better spent on welfare and infrastructure instead.

Economists like Olof Johansson-Stenman argue that while military spending is essential, the marginal increase in security may not justify the costs, especially given Sweden's current NATO membership and the absence of a direct invasion threat from Russia.

Critics suggest that the funds could be redirected to improve public services, such as healthcare and education, which are also pressing needs in society.