700,000 People in Sweden Live in Poverty Despite National Wealth
A significant portion of Sweden's population faces poverty, with government budget priorities highlighting socioeconomic disparities.
Key Points
- • 700,000 people in Sweden live in poverty despite the nation's wealth.
- • Personal stories, such as that of a mother of three, highlight struggles to meet basic needs.
- • Government spends 5% of GDP on defense, comparable to education budgets, neglecting poverty.
- • Calls for tax reforms could generate 150 billion SEK annually to address social issues.
As of mid-2025, approximately 700,000 people in Sweden are living in poverty, highlighting a significant socioeconomic disparity in what is considered one of the wealthiest nations globally. This alarming statistic emerged prominently during the recent Almedalsveckan event, where Oxfam launched a campaign illustrating the stark contrast between the affluent attendees and the everyday struggles of many Swedes.
A poignant example shared during the campaign is the story of Caroline, a 38-year-old mother of three children. Caroline detailed her difficulties in providing adequate meals for her family on a meager budget of only 400 SEK per month, which often forces her to skip meals altogether to make ends meet. "It's a constant struggle, and I feel like the government is not listening to people like me," she expressed, underscoring the personal impact of systemic poverty in the nation.
The concerning situation has elicited criticism regarding government budget priorities. Currently, about 5% of Sweden’s GDP is allocated to defense spending, which remarkably matches the combined budget for education at all levels. This allocation of resources has led to widespread calls for a reevaluation of tax policies aimed at addressing the growing income inequality affecting many families.
Experts argue that with proper tax reforms, an additional 150 billion SEK could be generated each year, which could then be rechanneled to alleviate poverty and support vital climate initiatives within the country. The overarching message remains clear: a shift in focus is needed from military expenditure towards enhancing social welfare to ensure that all citizens can lead dignified lives.