The top: the city asks for money to beg on the street | Chronic

The Swedish city of Eskilstuna, west of Stockholm, was the first in the country to demand payment of a license to ask for money on the streets, a measure that has been criticized by of several social organizations that consider that "criminalises begging".

For example, those who want to beg in Eskilstuna, a municipality of just over 100,000 inhabitants, must apply for this permit online or at a police station for a permit that costs 250 Swedish kroner (23.3 euros, or about $ 26). ) and will have a maximum validity of three months, in addition to presenting an identity document.

"It's hard to know what will happen, we try new ways to bureaucratize and hinder the activity"the local mayor, the Social Democrat, said on Swedish public television SVT Jimmy Jansson.

He also said that asking for money without authorization in the areas of the city included in the regulation, including centers, commercial areas and outdoor sports facilities, would be subject to fines. .

Municipal regulations have been criticized by various social organizations, which consider that "That's how begging is criminalized".

"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 "Jansson lamented.

According to local media reports, the Eskilstuna police have so far received eight applications for authorization.

The regulations were pbaded last May by the local government of Social Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives, but their entry into force was delayed by a complaint to the administrative courts.