Two members of Sweden’s parliament have called for an investigation into creating a national Bitcoin reserve as a way to fight inflation and diversify state assets.
Sweden Democrats Dennis Dioukarev and David Perez submitted the proposal to the Riksdag on Wednesday, stressing that Sweden should not fall behind other countries such as the United States, which are already building reserves. They argued that Sweden must “participate in this digital arms race and join the growing group of nations that have recognized the potential of Bitcoin.”
The lawmakers also urged the government to guarantee that it will not alter current laws governing the central bank’s monetary policy an assurance meant to signal that Sweden has no plans to introduce a central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Like the U.S., Dioukarev and Perez suggested that seized Bitcoin could be used to fund the reserve. However, they admitted it remains an “open question” which authority would ultimately manage the holdings.
At present, Sweden does not hold any publicly listed Bitcoin, according to Bitbo. In November 2024, however, the country passed a law allowing authorities to confiscate luxury items, including crypto, even if they are not directly targeted in an investigation.
Supporters of Bitcoin strategic reserves believe the next step toward its adoption is for nation-states to add it to their treasuries, paving the way for Bitcoin to become both a global reserve currency and a standard unit of money.
Swedish Democrats Push for Bitcoin Reserve and CBDC Assurance
The right-leaning Swedish Democrats, who secured more than 20% of the vote in the 2022 general election and play a key role in supporting the current Moderate-led coalition, are using their influence to push for a national Bitcoin reserve.
They argue that holding Bitcoin alongside Sweden’s currency and gold reserves, both of which are exposed to political, geopolitical, and economic risks, would provide an added safeguard against global instability.
In addition, lawmakers Dennis Dioukarev and David Perez are urging the government to guarantee it will not alter the Riksbank Act’s definition of legal tender. Such a move, they say, would demonstrate that Sweden has no intention of launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Bitcoin is already legal in Sweden, with several crypto ATMs operating in the country. The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) oversees exchanges and enforces Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) rules.
