The government wants to install thousands of new surveillance cameras around Sweden. According to the Conservatives, this new election promise will increase security and help the police fight serious crime. At the same time, critics warn that ordinary Swedes will pay the price in the form of less privacy - without actually solving the politicians' fundamental problems.
The government wants to install significantly more surveillance cameras in Sweden. The goal is for the police to have 10,000 cameras by 2030, compared to around 3,900 today. The Moderates say the initiative will help stop serious crime, reports SVT.
The proposal was presented together with the Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer in Skåne. The expansion is expected to cost around SEK 2 billion.
- We believe that all municipalities that want to use cameras, in the places they think they are needed, should be able to do so, says Ulf Kristersson to SVT.
At the same time, there is growing criticism that politicians are increasingly focusing on surveillance instead of tackling the causes of crime. Critics argue that cameras may help police after the fact, but they do not stop new gangs from emerging.
”Surveillance everywhere”
On X, several commentators react to the announcement.
”Strömmer has no limits to how much surveillance of good citizens can be introduced.”, writes Vladimir Löjrom.
”Yes. The policies of the 7th party have led to the fact that we now need surveillance everywhere.”, writes Susanne Nyman Bäck.
Criticism also focuses on the loss of privacy for ordinary people as cameras are installed in more and more places.
Cameras do not stop violence
A report by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention shows that cameras can help against certain crimes, such as theft and drug offenses. However, the effect on spontaneous shootings and violent crime is less clear.
The debate is therefore increasingly about why crime has grown so rapidly - and whether more cameras really solve the problem or just make society more policed.
I don't take this as a promise, but rather a threat to control the people more easily.
Agree
I guess Bluffe can use the cameras to monitor his faggots and pedophiles.