Opinion: Sweden's Government Restricts Freedom to Live With Non-EU Partners

A recent opinion piece published in Dagens Nyheter criticizes the Swedish government and the Sweden Democrats, alleging they have covertly curtailed citizens' freedom to live with partners from outside the European Union. The author, Lennart Wahlgren, argues that this restriction prevents Swedes from freely marrying or cohabiting with non-EU nationals.

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In secret, the government and the Sweden Democrats have taken away our freedom as Swedes to live together with whomever we want.

Wahlgren highlights the lengthy application process for residency permits, which can take up to a year or more, and suggests these delays are intentionally used to deter immigration. He contrasts this with EU directives on freedom of movement, which allow citizens to reside with their partners in other EU countries, but notes that these provisions do not apply when the couple wishes to settle in their home country, Sweden.

The author expresses bewilderment at how personal freedom has been so significantly curtailed, questioning if xenophobia is driving these policies. He points out that while marrying or living with a non-EU partner in Sweden has become exceedingly difficult, the same individuals could immediately move to another EU country, such as Denmark, with their partner.

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This is simply absurd.

The piece urges Swedes to "wake up" and defend their rights, advocating for Sweden to remain a humane country. It criticizes the current administration for implementing new laws and regulations rapidly, often disregarding expert and referral body objections. Wahlgren concludes by stating that the upcoming autumn election presents a crucial choice for citizens regarding the kind of society they wish to live in.

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Now is the time to wake up and defend our rights and for Sweden to remain a humane country.