Sweden Passes Stricter Sentencing Reforms and Lowers Age of Criminal Responsibility to 14

The Swedish parliament has recently approved significant legislative reforms tightening sentencing policies and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. The key change is the abolition of the volume discount for repeat offenders, passed by a narrow margin of 176 votes to 171. Presented by the governing Tidö parties — including Moderaterna and Sweden Democrats — this measure aims to impose harsher penalties on individuals convicted of multiple offenses. \n\nThe reform stipulates that courts must consider the cumulative severity of the three most serious crimes when sentencing, with many sentences expected to lengthen by 50 to 75 percent. The government estimates this will increase costs for the Swedish Prison and Probation Service by approximately 38.6 billion kronor annually once fully implemented. It is projected that the volume discount removal alone will account for 12.3 billion kronor of this increase. However, no specific date has yet been finalized, though some indications suggest the reforms could take effect between 2029 and 2030.\n\nIn addition, the Riksdag voted to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14 years, enabling 14-year-olds to be sentenced to prison for serious crimes such as murder, severe weapon offenses, and arson. This law is set to take effect on September 10, 2026. Alongside this, the sentencing discount for those under 18 was reduced; for example, a 15-year-old's discount will decrease from 80% to 60%. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer emphasized these changes will improve rehabilitation opportunities and societal safety. \n\nThe proposals faced opposition from the Social Democrats, Left Party, Green Party, and Centre Party, who expressed concerns that harsher punishments and lowering the age could unfairly impact children and vulnerable groups. Opposition leader Teresa Carvalho vowed to revisit some changes, such as discounts for sexual offenses, if her party wins the next election. Despite resistance, the legislative package passed without party defections.\n\nThese reforms coincide with other parliamentary decisions this session, such as establishing a new foreign intelligence agency and implementing stricter rules on independent schools. The government credits their policies since 2022 with halving deadly gang violence and aims to continue strengthening the justice system and public safety in Sweden.