Shows / Sweden in Focus
Sweden in Focus
Sweden in Focus is The Local’s weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in Sweden as well as explore and explain the issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what’s coming up.
In each episode presenter James Savage chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local Sweden’s Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange and Mandy Pipher. They are frequently joined by other expert commentators.
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Episodes
- Sweden in Focus
Cricket in Sweden: how can an immigrant-powered sport attract new players?
In this week’s episode we look at the past, present and future of cricket in Sweden. With interest soaring in Sweden in recent years, The Local’s James Savage…
- Sweden in Focus
Why is Sweden deporting young adult children of permanent residents?
In this week's episode we talk about the resurrection of Northvolt and what new ownership will mean for the bankrupt battery maker. We also ask if the…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Sweden’s right-wing parties are bickering over call to freeze trade with Israel
In this week's episode we talk about Sweden’s return to day-to-day life as the summer holidays wind down. In politics we discuss divisions on the right on how…
- Sweden in Focus
Why are Sweden and Denmark going different ways on work permits
In this week's episode we bring in The Local's Denmark editor, Michael Barrett, to talk about why Denmark is liberating its work permit rules at the same time…
- Sweden in Focus
Work permit salary thresholds: Does exempted job list mean anything?
This week's episode of Sweden in Focus Extra for Membership+ subscribers features an interview with Hanna Geurtsen, the Migration Agency official responsible…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Swedes stay home in summer (and it's not for the rain)
In this week's episode we talk about 'cloudburst-like rain' and what to do if your house is flooded, we talk about why Swedes tend to stay home in the summer…
- Sweden in Focus
Is your Swedish good enough for university? – Quiz 11
It’s time again to learn some Swedish as our panelists try their hand at the tricky vocabulary section of Högskoleprovet, the Swedish university entrance exam…
- Sweden in Focus
Can Sweden's migration minister survive scandal of son's extremist links?
In this week's episode we talk about revelations that the son of Johan Forssell, Sweden's migration minister, has been active in far-right extremist groups and…
- Sweden in Focus
Is your Swedish good enough for university? – Quiz 10
In this week's episode we once again bring you a Swedish language quiz as The Local's journalists answer multiple choice questions from the vocabulary section…
- Sweden in Focus
Is your Swedish good enough for university? – Quiz 9
In this week’s episode we bring you a language quiz in which we put The Local’s journalists through their paces with questions from the vocabulary section of…
- Sweden in Focus
Almedalen special: Swedish red tape vexes Ukrainians
In this special episode from the Almedalen political week on Gotland, James Savage talks to former US Ambassador Erik Ramanathan about how much the Trump…
- Sweden in Focus
Fit in or stick out? How Sweden changes you
In this week's episode we talk about the bridge between Denmark and Sweden and how it means a lot more to one of our panelists than the sore feet she got after…
- Sweden in Focus
Good news at last for work permit holders in Sweden
In this week's episode we talk about how to make the most of Sweden’s Midsummer celebrations, and we look at big changes to Sweden’s work permit system —…
- Sweden in Focus
Sweden's new alcohol law: 'Freedom reform' or flop?
This week we talk about a new alcohol law that came into force this month and what it means for consumers. And why has a government inquiry proposed banning…
- Sweden in Focus
Red cottage nightmares, and is Sweden’s support for Israel crumbling?
In this week's episode we ask why Swedish politicians are becoming more critical of Israel over the war in Gaza. We also discuss the government's plans to…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Sweden is making it illegal to order OnlyFans sex
This week we have the latest on the citizenship freeze amid signs of a thaw and we ask: Why has there been so little interest in this story from the Swedish…
- Sweden in Focus
How Swedish immigration rules fuel 'chronic anxiety' for foreign researchers
In this week's episode we talk about why Stockholm is at loggerheads with the US Embassy over anti-diversity demands and we examine a scathing new report on…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Johan Forssell wants to change Sweden's 'weird' immigration system
In this week's episode we talk about Sweden’s chances of winning the Eurovision Song Contest for a record-breaking eighth time with KAJ's song Bara Bada Bastu…
- Sweden in Focus
'Sweden was like a paradise at first – but then reality hits'
In 2013 Jamil Walli, a journalist, filmmaker and painter, moved to Sweden from Damascus as an exchange student. Two years later, tens of thousands of his…
- Sweden in Focus
How Sweden tightened immigration after the 2015 refugee crisis
In this week’s episode we talk about the surprise resignation of the Liberal Party leader Johan Pehrson. Ten years on from the arrival of record numbers of…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Sweden celebrates spring with bonfires and songs
In this week's episode we talk about the possibility of there being a Swedish pope and the state of Catholicism in Sweden today. We also dive into the history…
- Sweden in Focus
All about Eves: Why Sweden celebrates holidays a day early
In this week's episode we talk about why Sweden celebrates on the eve of holidays rather than the day itself, and we look at what you need to know about…
- Sweden in Focus
What the fika! How Swedes are reacting to sky-high coffee prices
In this week's episode we talk about about a rush to buy coffee amid rocketing prices and we hear from an expert on Sweden's coffee culture, Henrik Scander. We…
- Sweden in Focus
Will Sweden's 'poor conduct' law muzzle immigrants?
In this week's episode we talk about the government’s push to eject more immigrants for bad behaviour, and we have an interview with migration minister Johan…
- Sweden in Focus
Why immigrant tech workers are challenging Sweden on citizenship
In this week's episode we have an interview with an American tech worker who has launched an initiative urging the government to reconsider its plans to…
- Sweden in Focus
Why thousands of foreign workers risk expulsion from Sweden
In this week's episode our panelists discuss two stories affecting work permit holders after parliament voted through a new law targeting former asylum seekers…
- Sweden in Focus
Classified documents scandal gives Sweden's prime minister a huge headache
In this week's episode we discuss: Northvolt’s bankruptcy, the criminal investigation into Sweden’s former national security adviser Henrik Landerholm, the…
- Sweden in Focus
Why are politicians fighting over Sweden's multiculturalism?
In this week’s episode we discuss the latest Swedish reaction to dramatic changes in the European security landscape. What does Sweden’s defence industry look…
- Sweden in Focus
Why is Sweden such a trusting society?
In this week's episode we look at what makes Sweden such a trusting society. We also discuss Muharrem Demirok's decision to step down as Centre Party leader…
- Sweden in Focus
How is Sweden reacting to Trump's seismic shift on European security?
In this week's episode we talk about how Sweden is reacting to the United States’ dramatic foreign policy pivot on Europe. What are Swedish politicians saying…
- Sweden in Focus
Why post-Örebro gun control split the Sweden Democrats
In this week's episode: Reader reactions to Örebro mass murder, and why a gun law debate sparked fury among Sweden Democrats. For Membership+ subscribers: What…
- Sweden in Focus
What we know about Sweden's worst ever mass shooting
We're releasing the podcast earlier than usual this week to bring you up to date information on this week's horrific shooting in Örebro that left eleven people…
- Sweden in Focus
How to speak Scanian like a southern Swede
We start this week with news that broke just before we started recording the episode. The victims of two separate murders in the greater Stockholm region on…
Sweden in FocusIs your Swedish good enough for university? – Quiz 1
This week we’re going to test our panelists’ Swedish language knowledge by throwing a few questions at them from the vocabulary section of Högskoleprovet, the…
- Sweden in Focus
What makes Sweden one of the world's most innovative countries?
This week we talk about Donald Trump's return to the White House and how it’s going to impact Sweden, especially in the areas of trade and security. And could…
- Sweden in Focus
Will Sweden's new citizenship rules put foreign workers off?
Sweden's government promised a paradigm shift on immigration and this was a week in which they moved ahead with some cornerstone policies. As we spoke about in…
- Sweden in Focus
Buckle up for more Swedish immigration curbs in 2025
Migration minister on citizenship security checks, January's 'ox weeks', citizenship and immigration rule changes, Northvolt's battle for survival. For…
- Sweden in Focus
Sweden in 2025: From reader predictions to new immigration rules
This week we’re going to turn our attention to the year ahead with some soothsaying on what to expect in politics and the economy in 2025 and we’ll also hear…
- Sweden in Focus
Sweden in Focus end of year quiz 2024
Special offer for members Get Membership+ free for two months __ In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus we look back at the Swedish year in news. As 2024…
- Sweden in Focus
'It's not Christmas in Sweden without a culture war'
Special offer for members Get Membership+ free for two months __ In this week's episode: the best things about Christmas in Sweden, interview with the Greens'…
- Sweden in Focus
What do Syrians in Sweden think of calls for them to 'go home'?
Special offer for members Get Membership+ free for two months __ Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren…
- Sweden in Focus
What we know so far about Sweden’s plan for fewer new citizens
In this week's episode: Sweden’s Lucia tradition, who was Princess Birgitta, what we know about the government’s plan to stall citizenship grants. Special…
- Sweden in Focus
All you need to know about Sweden's planned new 'snitch law'
In this week's episode: Swedish Advent traditions, ‘snitch law’ exemptions and a tricky Swedish language quiz. Special offer for members Get Membership+ free…
- Sweden in Focus
Curb your immigration: Swedish politicians ramp up the rhetoric
Special offer for members of The Local Get free 2-month upgrade to Membership+ __ In this week's episode: why Sweden's deputy PM wants to restrict immigrants’…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Tesla and striking Swedish unions are still deadlocked one year on
Special offer for members Get Membership+ free for two months __ In this week's episode: will immigrants become cultural canon fodder? How Swedish politicians…
- Sweden in Focus
What does a Trump victory mean for Americans in Sweden (and everyone else)?
Special offer for members Get Membership+ free for two months __ In this week's episode: We chat to Americans about the US election result and how it will…
- Sweden in Focus
Could backing Israel seriously become a condition for Swedish citizenship?
In this week's episode: How gang crime is top of the agenda for Nordic leaders, why a politician wants to make recognizing Israel a condition of citizenship…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Sweden's tax-and-spend makeover has split the political left
In this week's episode: Halloween preparations, why Sweden is seeing fewer work permit applications, how a new fiscal policy framework has divided Sweden's…
- Sweden in Focus
What are the sure signs you definitely live in Sweden?
In this week's episode: Signs you live in Sweden, Rasmus Paludan on trial over anti-Muslim slurs, how celebrating your home culture can connect you to Sweden…
- Sweden in Focus
Are Jimmie Åkesson’s gang leader links damaging for the Sweden Democrats?
In this week's episode: Rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, journalists slammed for prostitution tips, and how damaging are the Sweden Democrats' biker gang…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Sweden's begging ban debate feels a decade out of date
In this week's episode: Stockholm governor fired over recruitment nepotism, how cinnamon became Swedes' spice of choice, and why a begging ban feels like a…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Sweden risks blowback from 3-month limit for jobseekers
In this week's episode: how Northvolt's crisis is hitting foreign workers and how recruiters can get better at gauging Swedish language skills. Host Paul…
- Sweden in Focus
What are Sweden's budget priorities for immigrants?
In this week's episode: how the new budget affects foreigners, favourite Swedish expressions, and a Social Democrat lottery scandal. Host Paul O’Mahony is…
- Sweden in Focus
What words from other Nordic languages do all Swedes know?
In this week's episode: Nordic cross-border lingo, who's who in Sweden's cabinet reshuffle, drone alerts at Arlanda Airport, what next for Northvolt after…
- Sweden in Focus
Can Sweden's new screen guidelines stop the endless scrolling?
In this week's episode: foreign minister steps down, new screen use recommendations, why the government is scrapping flight tax, and Sweden's biggest ever…
- Sweden in Focus
Should fathers be allowed to 'give away the bride' at Swedish weddings?
In this week's episode: Government backtracks on biofuels. How happy is the right-wing coalition at the half-way point of its tenure? Church politicians push…
- Sweden in Focus
Why Swedish 'child soldiers' do dirty work for Danish gangs
Interest rate cuts, why the government is pleased with its 'paradigm shift' on immigration, why gangs in Denmark are recruiting young Swedes for violent…
- Sweden in Focus
Strange noises Swedes make that you won't find in a dictionary
Sweden’s population is shrinking as emigration exceeds immigration for the first time in over 50s. Is this true and if so, should it be cause for celebration?…
- Sweden in Focus
Why an award-winning businessman risks deportation from Sweden
Stinky fish, Swedish Olympians, and why Migration Agency says 35,000 kronor is too low a salary for a CEO. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The…
- Sweden in Focus
How Sweden's stricter immigration rules are hurting the games industry
In this week's Sweden in Focus we speak to the head of Sweden's main games industry organization about how higher salary requirements for work permit holders…