The City Mission estimates that in Malmö today there are about a hundred people who make a living by begging – about half as many as a few years ago. But despite the reduction, the government and the Sweden Democrats want to ban begging altogether, as it is stated in the Tidö Agreement that a national ban must be investigated.
Several organizations criticize the government’s and SD’s declaration of intent. Among the organizations are Amnesty, Stadsmissionen and Civil right defenders.
Among those who beg there is also great concern. Raluca, whose real name is something else, recently returned to Malmö after some time in Romania. Remaining at home, she has left her ten-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son with the grandparents.
Raluca and her husband beg during the day, and sleep under a bridge at night.
– Because in Romania there is a big (economic) crisis, we don’t have the opportunity to survive (literally earn a living), to feed our children, to get by.
Gunnar Strömmer (M), Minister of Justice, gives his view on the proposal to ban begging.
– Historically, it has been an important historical task not to confirm begging as a long-term way of making a living. So I think there are both societal aspects and criminal aspects, and care for those who engage in this, he says.
Raluca, on the contrary, believes that a total ban would force more people into crime, and does not want a ban to be introduced. Even if she herself doesn’t really want to beg.
– I would like to be with my children and be able to feed them, this is my dream, that we will all be well, she says.
See the feature in the player above.