Sweden's prison system is grappling with significant challenges as it seeks to expand while reducing costs.

The Swedish Prison and Probation Service is under pressure to recruit 5,000 to 6,000 new staff annually to manage the growing number of inmates, yet it must also cut daily costs per inmate.

This expansion is driven by policies that have increased the prison population, leading to overcrowded facilities.

In Kalmar, inmates face harsh conditions, with cells lacking basic amenities like toilets and sinks.

The overcrowding has led to two inmates sharing small cells, exacerbating tensions and making rehabilitation efforts difficult.

Despite these challenges, the prison system has seen a slight improvement in staffing stability, with reduced turnover and absenteeism.

However, the situation remains dire, particularly in older facilities like Kalmar, where inmates have raised concerns about inadequate hygiene facilities and poor living conditions.

The government has tasked the prison service with finding ways to reduce costs, but critics argue that this could worsen conditions for both staff and inmates.