Nine Government Propositions Signal Broad Reform Agenda

Security and Public Safety

Comprehensive Weapons Law Reform

Prop. 2025/26:HD03141: The government proposes a comprehensive overhaul of Sweden's weapons legislation, consolidating scattered regulations into a unified framework. The new law aims to strengthen controls on firearms possession while maintaining legitimate sporting and hunting uses. Key provisions include enhanced background checks, stricter storage requirements, and expanded police authority to revoke licenses. The reform responds to increased gang violence involving illegal weapons.

Enhanced Explosives Control

Prop. 2025/26:HD03123: The government proposes enhanced controls on explosive materials following a series of bombings linked to organized crime. Measures include stricter licensing requirements, mandatory traceability systems, expanded police inspection powers, and criminal penalties for unauthorized possession. The proposal also addresses legal loopholes that have allowed criminal networks to acquire commercial explosives.

Together, these measures represent the government's most significant public safety legislative package since 2022. The weapons law consolidates decades of amendments into a coherent framework, while the explosives controls directly address a surge in bombings that have become a defining political issue. The Sweden Democrats have signaled strong support, while the opposition questions whether law changes alone can solve what they characterize as enforcement and social policy failures.

Financial Integrity and Crisis Preparedness

VAT Fraud Countermeasures

Prop. 2025/26:HD03128: This proposition introduces new mechanisms to combat VAT fraud, estimated to cost Sweden SEK 12-15 billion annually. Measures include real-time reporting requirements for certain high-risk sectors, enhanced information sharing between tax authorities and customs, and reverse charge provisions for construction services. The proposals implement EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive requirements while adding Sweden-specific controls targeting organized fraud networks.

Financial Sector Crisis Management

Prop. 2025/26:HD03116: This proposition establishes a new crisis management framework for Sweden's financial sector, implementing EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive requirements. The proposal creates an independent resolution authority with powers to restructure or wind down failing banks without taxpayer bailouts. It includes provisions for bail-in mechanisms, pre-positioned resolution plans, and coordination with European banking authorities.

E-ID Provider Regulation

Prop. 2025/26:HD03126: This proposition establishes new regulatory requirements for companies providing electronic identification services (BankID, Freja eID, etc.). Providers must report security incidents, maintain detailed audit logs, and undergo regular third-party assessments. The measure responds to concerns about the critical infrastructure role of e-ID systems in Sweden's highly digitized society.

Beneficial Owners Register Access

Prop. 2025/26:HD03129: The government proposes amendments to rules governing access to the beneficial owners register, balancing transparency requirements with privacy concerns following a 2022 European Court of Justice ruling. The proposal restricts public access while maintaining broad access for authorities, financial institutions, and persons with legitimate interest. This addresses both money-laundering concerns and data protection requirements.

These four Finance Ministry propositions demonstrate the government's focus on economic security across multiple dimensions. The VAT measures alone could recover billions in lost revenue, while the financial crisis framework prepares Sweden for potential banking instability. The e-ID and beneficial owners proposals reflect Sweden's struggle to balance its highly digitized, transparent society with evolving privacy and security concerns.

Governance and Accountability

Climate Policy Evaluation Response

Prop. 2025/26:HD03122: The government responds to the National Audit Office's critical report on climate policy monitoring and evaluation. The audit found gaps in data collection, inconsistent methodology across agencies, and insufficient analysis of policy effectiveness. The government's response commits to establishing a unified climate data framework, annual impact assessments, and clearer accountability structures. This addresses concerns that Sweden may miss its 2030 emissions targets.

Police Reform Audit Response

Prop. 2025/26:HD03110: The government addresses the National Audit Office's evaluation of the 2015 police reorganization, which centralized Sweden's 21 regional police forces into a single national authority. The audit identified persistent coordination problems, IT system failures, and recruitment challenges. The government's response proposes organizational adjustments, increased regional autonomy, and substantial IT investments to address identified deficiencies.

Both propositions respond to critical National Audit Office reports, reflecting institutional accountability mechanisms at work. The climate policy response is particularly significant given Sweden's international climate leadership role, while the police reform acknowledgment addresses persistent public concerns about law enforcement effectiveness. The government's willingness to act on audit findings strengthens democratic oversight, though opposition parties will scrutinize whether proposed measures are sufficient.

Agricultural and Environmental Standards

Veterinary Medicines Ban

Prop. 2025/26:HD03120: This proposition prohibits specific veterinary medicines to comply with EU regulations on antimicrobial resistance. The measures target antibiotics and growth promoters whose use in animal agriculture contributes to resistant bacterial strains. The proposal includes transition provisions for affected farmers and veterinarians.

While less politically prominent than other measures, this proposition addresses a critical public health concern. Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global threat, and Sweden's agriculture sector must adapt to stricter EU standards. The measure will affect livestock farming economics but aligns with Sweden's precautionary approach to public health regulation.

Political Analysis

The breadth and timing of this nine-proposition package reveal deliberate political strategy. By simultaneously addressing voter concerns about security (weapons, explosives), economic fairness (VAT fraud), and institutional accountability (climate, police audits), the government attempts to build a legislative record demonstrating competence across multiple domains.

The security measures appeal to the Sweden Democrats, whose parliamentary support underpins the minority government. The financial integrity propositions address business community concerns while signaling fiscal responsibility. The audit responses demonstrate transparency and accountability—qualities that resonate with the center-right coalition's Moderate and Liberal wings.

However, the opposition will challenge execution. The Social Democrats and Greens have already filed motions questioning whether proposed measures are sufficient, particularly on climate policy and police reform. The Left Party will likely criticize the beneficial owners register changes as weakening transparency.

What to Watch

• Committee referrals: The Speaker will assign these propositions to relevant committees (Justice, Finance, Environment, Defence). Committee composition and chair priorities will shape legislative outcomes.
• Opposition motions: Six opposition motions have already been filed (see related coverage), with more expected on weapons law, police reform, and financial regulation.
• Sweden Democrats leverage: SD support is critical for government survival. Watch for SD amendments on weapons law and explosives—areas where they may demand stricter provisions.
• EU compliance: Several propositions implement EU directives (VAT, financial crisis management, veterinary medicines). Sweden's implementation approach will be compared to other member states.
• National Audit Office follow-up: The audit office will monitor whether government responses to climate and police reports lead to genuine reform or remain symbolic gestures.
• Election framing: As the 2026 campaign intensifies, expect both government and opposition to frame these propositions as evidence for competing narratives about leadership and competence.