Eskiltuna, the Swedish city where you have to pay a $ 25 license to beg

With its colorful houses on the water's edge, the peaceful Eskiltuna has an air of paradise. However, the Swedish city has become a hell for those who have less: for a few days, it became the first in the country to demand the payment of a license to ask for money on its streets. The measure has been criticized by various social organizations, which they say "criminalize begging".

Thus, those who want to beg in Eskilstuna, a large industrial town of just over 100,000 inhabitants, must apply for this permit online or at a police station. It costs 250 Swedish crowns (about 25 dollars) and will be valid for up to three months, in addition to presenting an identity document.

"It's hard to know what's going to happen, we're trying new ways bureaucratise and hinder the activity"he told Swedish public television SVT the mayor of the city, the Social Democrat Jimmy Jansson.

He also said that asking for money without authorization in the areas of the city included in the regulation – center, commercial areas and outdoor sports facilities, among others – will be sanctioned by fines.

"It's not about persecuting people, but about the big question: do we think we need to normalize begging in the Swedish social welfare society?" I do not see the same energy to criticize the fact that some people are forced to ask by criticizing our attempts to establish rules, "said Jansson during a dialogue with the newspaper. Aftonbladet.

According to local media, it is estimated that there are between 30 and 50 people Beggar in the streets of the city and the police of Eskilstuna has received until now eight requests get permission

The regulation was adopted last May by the local government, composed of social democrats, liberals and conservatives, but its entry into force was delayed by a complaint to the administrative courts, the press agency reported. . EFE.