Sweden to Abolish Multiple Offense Discount, Leading to Longer Prison Sentences

The Swedish government has announced a major reform in its criminal justice system, proposing to abolish the multiple offense discount — a sentencing practice that reduces the total penalty for individuals convicted of multiple crimes. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer presented this second phase of the government’s sweeping criminal reform during a press conference on June 30, 2026.

Under the current system, multiple crimes committed by one individual lead to a reduced total sentence, but the new proposal mandates summing the penalties for multiple offenses. The focus will be on aggregating the three most serious crimes committed. For example, an individual convicted of three separate rapes, each carrying a three-year sentence, would now serve nine years instead of five years under the old discount system.

The government has acknowledged the possibility of exceptions, allowing sentences to be reduced if the aggregate penalty is deemed disproportionately long compared to the severity of the crimes. Nevertheless, the abolition of the discount is a principled decision to prevent certain crimes from effectively going unpunished when multiple offenses are involved.

In addition to scrapping the discount, the reform plans to remove current sentencing options such as probation and conditional sentences for adults, replacing some with conditional imprisonment. Other mitigating factors that reduce sentences, like considerations for job loss, will also be eliminated.

Justice Minister Strömmer underscored the need for these changes by stating, “It is not reasonable that certain crimes effectively become free if one has committed many crimes.” He noted the government has considered input from the Council on Legislation but remains firm that removing the multiple offense discount is necessary.

The government has not yet provided a timeline for implementing these changes, citing dependence on the Swedish Prison and Probation Service’s ability to expand prison capacity. This new phase follows the first step of the reform, scheduled to take effect in August, which introduced harsher penalties for gang-related crimes and potential life sentences for repeated rapes.

Overall, the proposal marks a significant shift toward tougher crime penalties and a more stringent sentencing framework in Sweden’s criminal justice system.