Sweden is set to implement new citizenship rules that would change the current practices, making it more challenging for individuals to acquire Swedish citizenship. The proposed legislation will come into effect on June 6, coinciding with Sweden's national day, and will also be applicable to those applications currently under review. Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated that the current process of obtaining citizenship is too lenient, emphasizing that citizenship should signify more than just a legal status.

Forssell highlighted the flaws in the existing system, where individuals could become citizens without essential knowledge of the Swedish language or culture, and even while facing serious legal accusations, such as being charged with murder. His comments aim to reflect a shift in the government's approach toward immigration and citizenship, with a focus on fostering a sense of pride and responsibility among new citizens. This turn towards stricter criteria signals a broader cultural and political push to address concerns over immigration and integration within Sweden.

The proposed changes have significant implications, not only for prospective immigrants but also for Sweden's social cohesion and political landscape. Forssell, representing a minority government supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, stresses that the goal is to ensure new citizens are well integrated into Swedish society. This move reflects a growing sentiment within parts of the Swedish political spectrum advocating for stricter immigration controls and a reevaluation of the values that define citizenship in the country.