The Swedish prime minister announced the deployment of the army to curb immigrant gangs and to pursue tougher sentencing. It is worth noting that in 2015 Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of Law and Justice, warned about such developments.
Problems with immigrants in European countries
Historically, statements from Polish political figures underscored a divide on how to handle migration. After Donald Tusk left Poland for a prominent role in Brussels, Ewa Kopacz, who led the PO-PSL government, declared that Poland would accept refugees as a gesture of solidarity. Members of the Polish opposition, including MEPs, backed the EU migration pact either by explicit support or abstention, a stance recalled by Law and Justice in various online posts.
In Sweden, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson took a hard line. In a national address, he pledged to use the military to confront gangs linked to immigration and to impose stricter punishments. Reducing immigration, a factor neglected by earlier administrations, is seen by many as a path to improving public safety.
Since late 2016, police have begun compiling and publishing data on shootings and explosive incidents. In 2017, gun use accounted for 281 cases with 36 fatalities. By 2022, shootings reached a record high with 391 incidents and 62 deaths. These figures have spurred discussions about crime, policing, and the social dynamics surrounding migration.
Analysts estimate that around 30,000 people have ties to criminal groups, with roughly 9,000 directly employed within those networks and about 21,000 providing support. The Swedish government has ordered police to publish statistics on the nationalities of gang members to provide a clearer picture of the situation.
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– Sweden acknowledges a migration policy that some describe as insufficiently cautious, while the Prime Minister emphasizes the use of security forces to address gang activity.
– Political parties across Poland have expressed support for urgent adoption of the EU Migration Pact. Critics have warned about political strains, while others advocate a stronger stance on border controls.
– Polish leaders have debated the balance between national sovereignty and European cooperation, with some officials reiterating their veto positions in European forums on migration-related initiatives.
Warnings from the PiS president from 2015
Jarosław Kaczyński, president of Law and Justice, warned in the Sejm as early as 2015 about possible migration developments. His remarks highlighted concerns about social cohesion and national security in the face of large-scale migration in Europe.
If one looks at Europe today, examples from various countries illustrate the ongoing tension surrounding migration. In Sweden, discussions about zones of differing regulatory practices have surfaced. There are reports about debates over symbols and cultural integration, including concerns related to school life and public spaces. Some observers describe shifts in policies and attitudes toward dress codes and social norms as part of a broader cultural recalibration.
These themes are echoed in reports from Italy, France, and other nations where debates over migration, religious freedoms, and social integration intersect with politics and public life. Critics argue about the pace of integration, the role of religious practices in public spaces, and the impact on national identity. Supporters contend that inclusive, well-managed migration policies are essential for humanitarian obligations and economic vitality. The discussion remains polarized, with strong voices on both sides expressing concern for national security and social harmony.
– said the president of PiS, underscoring the charged nature of the debate across Europe.
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Source: wPolityce