Explosive combination in Sweden

There is no more peace in the world. Not even in peaceful Sweden, one of the few "paradises" on the planet.

The global crisis has left no one out of the "party." The disturbances in Stockholm in recent days illustrate this.

A quick overview of the issue: Sweden has long pursued a fairly liberal immigration policy. This has attracted people from other countries seeking better opportunities.

Over the years, immigrants have become 15% of the Swedish population, a not insignificant percentage. However, as in other parts of Europe, these "foreigners" have been concentrated in poor neighborhoods far from the city center and earning low wages. The result? The "explosive" combination of high unemployment for immigrants.

The feeling of revolt already existed, but it lacked a "spark" to set everything ablaze. It happened last Monday in the capital, Stockholm, when a 68-year-old Portuguese man was killed inside his home by police. Lenine Martins had lived in the country for 30 years and was married to a Finnish woman. The official version states that Martins threatened officers with an axe and was shot dead. Relatives of the victim denied this explanation.

Neighbors became outraged and began to protest more violently. The "spirit of the thing" escalated until it reached cities like Gothenburg and Malmö, the second and third largest in the country, respectively.

Schools and buses were set on fire. Swedes relived 2010, when similar incidents occurred.

Residents of the neighborhood where the Portuguese man was killed said they are frequently targeted by racism from the police.

Of course, the economic recession is a key factor in worsening the situation. Unemployment in Sweden is at 5,7%, one of the lowest in Europe, but the rate for immigrants is 16,5%. For young people it's even worse: 20%.

The discerning reader will recall the violence that gripped Paris (2005) and London (2011) for a few days. The backdrop at the time was immigration and unemployment. Nothing has changed. Or rather, the recession has worsened.

P.S.: Deepest condolences to the family of Roberto Civita, president of Grupo Abril and responsible for launching magazines such as Realidade, Veja, Exame, Playboy, Quatro Rodas, and so many others. The Brazilian master of magazines has passed away.