Sweden’s Tidö coalition proposes financial package for migrant returns amid criticism

On Thursday, the Tidö coalition announced an initiative aimed at increasing voluntary returns for migrants, proposing a financial support package of 350,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $32,000) per person. This budget enhancement is viewed as a significant achievement for the Sweden Democrats in the upcoming autumn budget.

Critics have voiced strong opposition to this move. Jonny Cato from the Center Party expressed his disbelief at the government’s approach, stating, “It is undignified to have a government that has completely lost faith in people.” He emphasized the need for a more robust investment in integration efforts, focusing on education, language training, and job opportunities.

Cato argued against the proposed initiative, referencing a report from the government’s own investigator which indicated that the grant could negatively affect integration and risk exacerbating racism in society. Similarly, Tony Haddou, the migration policy spokesperson for the Left Party, criticized the government’s funding priorities, labeling the initiative as mere symbolic politics. He underscored the fact that significant financial resources are being allocated to a program that is unlikely to produce meaningful outcomes, especially amidst a major healthcare crisis in Sweden characterized by widespread cutbacks.

This juxtaposition raises questions about government priorities, especially as critics argue that funds could be better utilized to address pressing social issues rather than on measures deemed detrimental to societal integration.