Widespread Municipal Noncompliance in Sweden Sparks Calls for Political Accountability

Several Swedish municipalities, including Sigtuna, Kumla, Motala, Norrköping, and Gislaved, have recently come under scrutiny for failing to comply with legal obligations and court rulings, raising serious concerns about municipal governance and accountability ahead of the 2026 elections.

Sigtuna municipality has been criticized by the Parliamentary Ombudsman (JO) for disregarding court orders related to care services under the Act concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments (LSS). Attorney Jessica Gustavsson described the situation as traumatizing for affected individuals, highlighting over four years of persistent noncompliance where the care committee has imposed excessive requirements and caused prolonged delays. JO’s findings reveal a troubling lack of knowledge among municipal committees about their legal duties under LSS, resulting in fundamental rights being circumvented and the law’s intended protections failing to function as they should.

Beyond Sigtuna, municipalities such as Kumla and Motala have faced criticism for impairing the principle of public access to information and for inadequate responses to JO’s inquiries. Norrköping was also reprimanded for unlawfully surveilling individuals without lawful grounds.

In a related controversy, Gislaveds municipality’s handling of a case involving a satirical image came under fire after the repositioning of a secret audio recording revealed that the municipality provided an incomplete response to JO. The municipality denied the issue was linked to freedom of speech, yet the audio accused Anders Howerdal of mocking the satirical image, thereby undermining the municipality's stance.

Gustavsson urged voters to seriously consider political parties’ positions on legal compliance and rights protection when heading to the polls in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of supporting parties committed to upholding rule of law and transparency.

This series of revelations underscores systemic issues in municipal adherence to laws and court decisions in Sweden, highlighting the urgent need for stronger accountability mechanisms and informed political will to safeguard citizens’ rights.