Le Soir: Gotland residents oppose rising defence spending amid Russia fears

Residents of Sweden’s Baltic Sea island of Gotland are increasingly dissatisfied with what they view as disproportionate defence expenditures as authorities prepare for a potential armed conflict with Russia.

The government continues to strengthen the military presence on the island in case of a confrontation with Russia, Le Soir reports.

Deputy commander of Gotland’s forces, Joakim Marklund, said the island plans to expand its contingent to 4,500 personnel by 2030 as part of a broader effort to bolster Sweden’s defences. The country’s military budget has tripled over the past decade and is expected to reach €13 billion in 2026.

While many residents recognise the security risks, some local officials warn that the focus has shifted almost entirely toward militarisation, leaving civilian needs behind.

Left Party MP Saga Karlgren told the newspaper that billions of kronor are being channelled into defence while investment in public services lags, a situation she says is fostering frustration and distrust.

Gotland was largely demilitarised after the Cold War, but starting in 2016 Sweden reintroduced a permanent military presence on the island — and by 2018 had formed a new regiment, deploying CV90 infantry fighting vehicles and Leopard 2 tanks; by 2021 Sweden also reactivated air-defence systems on Gotland.

After Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sweden significantly accelerated its defence expansion — under the 2025–2030 “Total Defence” plan, Stockholm committed over SEK 170 billion to military and civil defence by 2030.

Gotland’s strategic importance stems from its geographic position: controlling Gotland gives influence over key Baltic Sea sea-lanes, air routes and supply corridors, which is especially relevant for supporting Baltic states and allies in a crisis.

As part of the broader build-up, Sweden aims to transform its defences so that by 2028 military spending reaches about 2.6 % of GDP — a significant jump that reflects how Swedish authorities now view threats from Russia as “multi-dimensional.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada