Despite Romania receiving billions from the EU every year to improve its welfare system – money earmarked not least for its Gypsy population – the country continues to export its poverty to Sweden.
In a wooded area in Högdalen, south of Stockholm, a new shantytown has sprung up. Gypsies have lived here for several years, in makeshift huts that are constantly replaced when the old ones burn down or are torn down.
Early in the morning, I visited the camp to speak with the residents before they went out to beg and collect deposit cans. They assured me that they would clean up after themselves but blamed the trash on the fact that they had only just arrived at the site. In two weeks, they explained, new beggars would take their place. A rotating system – rather than individual cases of hardship.
During the conversation, they nostalgically recalled the Ceaușescu era, when they had jobs and regular wages from the state. At the same time, they repeatedly insisted that they would like to work here in Sweden – but claimed that the opportunities are lacking.
Christian Peterson
