Sweden’s parliament has voted to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14 years old. The decision was made on Thursday, just one month before the country’s legislative elections. This change means that 14-year-olds can now be held accountable for criminal offenses under Swedish law. Details regarding maximum penalties under the new legislation have not been widely publicized in this initial report. The move arrives amidst ongoing debate about youth crime and appropriate responses. Critics suggest the change may be politically motivated, occurring so close to the upcoming electoral period. Further details about the implementation and potential impact of the lowered age are expected to emerge.