Hope and Ambition in Stockholm

0
340
Hope and Ambition in Stockholm

In the past few months, the levels of gang-related crime have gone up and the housing market has wobbled. However, hope and ambition in Stockholm remain strong.

According to Statistics Sweden, the Swedish housing market is now struggling, amidst falling property demand and construction activity, coupled with an ailing economy.

During 2023, the national house price index fell by 6.31%, worse than the prior year’s decline of 3.73% and in stark contrast to y-o-y increases of 15.78% in 2021, 10.26% in 2020, and 3.9% in 2019. Last year was the country’s worst showing since 1993. When adjusted for inflation, house prices declined by a huge 11.24% in 2023.

Hope and Ambition in Stockholm
From June, Stockholmers could again, after a lengthy renovation enjoy Vattentorget, a section of the city’s water-lock area connecting the old town with Södermalm in the south. Illustration: DBOX Foster Partners

Sweden now has the highest crime rate in Northern Europe, according to a study compiled and released by the NGO Global Initiative (GI). The study, claims that Sweden had a 4.7 rating out of 10 on its Organized Crime Index, and is the highest of eight Northern European countries, which includes the Scandinavian region and the Baltic states.

The conflict is largely based in the Stockholm region and involves a notorious gang leader known as the Kurdish Fox, real name Rawa Majid, along with his rivals.

Hope and Ambition in Stockholm
According to Statistics Sweden, the Swedish housing market is now struggling, amidst falling property demand and construction activity, coupled with an ailing economy. Photo from Rinkeby – Wikipedia.

Luckily, change could be afoot. The police now have a remit that incorporates national cooperation, which many see as a promising strategy.

Organized crime poses a serious threat to the Swedish society. The deadly violence and the criminal financial structures used by organized crime actors, and parallel social structures at local level, affect the safety and security of Swedish citizens. Also, the impact of organized crime damages citizens’ trust in public institutions. The strategy calls for action and outlines priorities, measures, and objectives, towards further resistance against organized crime.

Hope and Ambition in Stockholm
Sweden now has the highest crime rate in Northern Europe. Photo: Forsvarsmakten/Alexander Karlsson

House prices are ticking steadily back upwards and those hoping to sell are setting their sights on further recovery the next few months.

Meanwhile, the city, which is run by a green-red coalition, will enact the world’s first fossil fuel-free zone later this year, making it a pioneer of implementing robust, on-the-ground climate policies. In the spring of 2023, Stockholm was adopted as one of 100 selected climate cities in the EU. These cities will strengthen the work and contribute to faster transition throughout the union. This is done, among other things, by the city clarifying activities, investments, and collaborations needed to achieve climate neutrality in an EU-level climate contract. This also creates good opportunities for developed European cooperation.

Hope and Ambition in Stockholm
North of Brommaplan and south of Bromma Airport, Riksbydalen is emerging.

From June, Stockholmers could again, after a lengthy renovation enjoy Vattentorget, a section of the city’s water-lock area connecting the old town with Södermalm in the south. Vattentorget opened officially on 6 June at Slussen, a new social place for Stockholmers to gather on the waterside.

Stockholm is a growing city. In 2025, its population is expected to surpass the one million mark. Though housing stock is tight, plans for an entirely new neighborhood are in the works near Bromma Stockholm Airport, a 20-minute drive northwest from the city center. Bromma is one of Stockholm’s most attractive areas, known for its neighborhoods of large villas in garden cities. North of Brommaplan and south of Bromma Airport, Riksbydalen is emerging. When fully developed, the mixed-use neighborhood will house approximately 4,000 new homes, schools, parks, offices and more.

Hope and Ambition in Stockholm
In the spring of 2023, Stockholm was adopted as one of 100 selected climate cities in the EU.

Optimism is high in Stockholm. Smart new restaurants and shops are springing up to capitalize on the good vibes and returning spending power in the capital. Hope and ambition in Stockholm remain strong.

Hope and Ambition in Stockholm, compiled by Tor Kjolberg

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.