Swedish coalition blocks SD's push for faster prison-capacity expansion

In a parliamentary committee, the red-green bloc rejected the Sweden Democrats' suggestion that the government fast-track the yet-timed portions of the criminal-law reform for implementation in 2029, including the removal of the multiple-offence discount. Prison director Rikard Jermsten testified that a five-year lead time is essential to handle the projected increase in prison and remand places, noting one outlet plan aims for 20,000 spots by 2035 and could rise further if the reform proceeds.

He cautioned that expanding to very large facilities would hinder the provision of care, education and work programmes. Committee chair Teresa Carvalho declared the proposal unmanageable, while the coalition proposed to scrap the discount only for the most serious violent crimes, beginning with sexual offences in 2027. The Sweden Democrats and the Moderates maintain that the full reform can be introduced in 2029 and argue that the prison service overestimates future capacity needs.