The Swedish government has proposed an urgent plan to create thousands of new prison spaces in response to recent crime and tougher sentencing policies. This rapid move has raised concerns within the Legal Council, which oversees draft legislation before it is presented to the Swedish parliament. The Council warns that this proposal circumvents established democratic procedures found in planning and building laws, as the government seeks to gain authority to make exceptions in these regulations without thorough evaluation.

The measure arises from an ongoing challenge in Sweden, where increased crime rates and subsequent sentencing reforms have led to a significant shortage of prison capacity. The government's approach aims to address this shortfall quickly by sidestepping traditional legislative processes. Legal experts have expressed that the implications of such a fast-track strategy have not been properly investigated, leaving a gap in understanding the potential consequences on the justice system and society at large.

The Legal Council's dissatisfaction emphasizes the need for a more structured approach to address prison expansion, urging the government to submit clear proposals that parliament can consider. This recommendation reflects a broader concern about maintaining democratic integrity in the face of urgent societal issues, suggesting that while crime management is a pressing need, it should not come at the expense of procedural transparency and public accountability in governance.