Sweden's Political Debate on Using Foreign Prisons Amid Domestic Capacity Crisis

Amid a significant shortage of prison spaces, Sweden's Social Democrats are reconsidering the use of foreign prisons as a temporary solution. Teresa Carvalho, a prominent member of the Social Democrats, highlighted that the country currently needs several thousand additional prison spaces to meet rising demands. In response, the party has requested a visit to Tartufängelset, a prison in Estonia, scheduled for September 18-19, to explore potential collaboration with the government on this issue.

For such a measure to be implemented, a qualified majority in parliament is required, necessitating support not only from the Social Democrats but also from the Moderate Party, Christian Democrats, Liberals, and Sweden Democrats. Carvalho emphasized that while immediate action is needed due to the crisis, any agreement to utilize foreign prisons must include a robust long-term strategy to expand domestic prison capacity.

She pointed out that the estimated 400-600 places available in Estonia should be treated as a short-term fix, underscoring skepticism about outsourcing governmental functions abroad. Carvalho is actively seeking to work with Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer to devise a long-term plan, which may include constructing new facilities in Kalmar and Norrköping, rather than relying on temporary foreign solutions.