Sweden in Focus

New work permit system, Macron's Sweden visit and who are the Sami?

In this week's episode: tougher rules for Sweden citizenship, French President Emanuel Macron's state visit to Sweden, new work permit system takes effect, and why Sweden needs to do more to promote understanding of indigenous Sami. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Becky Waterton, and we also have an interview with Charlotta Svonni, who conducts research on indigenous education at Umeå University. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Citizenship EXPLAINED: How to get Swedish citizenship via notification Sweden moves to tighten up requirements for citizenship via notification Can I apply for Swedish citizenship through ancestry? Politics Sweden and France to sign nuclear and defence deals during Macron visit ‘Vive les clichés!’: Swedish PM mocked for Macron welcome IN PICS: French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Sweden What is ‘pyttipanna’ and why is Sweden serving it up to the French president? Work permits Swedish Migration Agency launches new system for handling work permits Sami Sweden’s ‘Truth Commission’ delves into painful Sami past ‘Irreversible risks’: UN-appointed experts urge Sweden to block mine in Sami land Why is reindeer herding so important in Sweden? Swedish museum to return Sami remains to village Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Top politician wants to ban Islamic symbols, and is Sweden prepared for cyber attacks?

In this week's episode: Ice bathing, Turkey's parliament votes on Sweden's Nato bid, top Sweden Democrat calls for ban on Islamic symbols, Sweden's complicated relationship with wolves, and how a cyber attack hit Swedish authorities and retailers. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and James Savage, and we also have an interview with Shahid Raza, who is Director of RISE Cybersecurity Unit, Research Director at Cybercampus Sweden and Professor of Cybersecurity at Mälardalen University. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Ice bathing Ice-swimming in Sweden: Is this the world’s most extreme competition? Nato Turkey’s president signed off on the ratification of Sweden’s Nato application a few hours after we recorded the episode, nullifying some speculation that we opted to leave out. Turkey approves Sweden’s Nato application as Erdogan signs ratification Swedish Prime Minister ‘won’t negotiate’ with Hungary on Nato bid EXPLAINED: What happens next for Sweden’s Nato application? Politics Top Sweden Democrat: No paradigm shift yet in Swedish migration Opposition calls for Sweden Democrat to resign over Mohammed tweet Wolves Wolf caught on camera in Stockholm Wild boar thrive while Sweden targets ‘mythical’ wolf Cyberattack Some Swedish shops start to reopen after hacker attack Russian group behind hacker attack on Swedish authorities and retailers Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Centre-right collapse explained, and why do Swedes drink so much coffee?

In this week's episode: why the centre-right has hit a new low in polls, cocaine at the Riskdag, the effects of growing unemployment and falling inflation, why opposition parties failed to depose Sweden's environment minister in a confidence vote, and why public sector workers are fuming over workplace coffee cuts. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Politics Cocaine found in toilets of four Swedish parties' parliamentary offices How did Sweden end up with its zero-tolerance attitude to drugs? Economy Swedish finance minister warns more people will lose their jobs New figures bring Swedish inflation close to two-percent target Weather Sweden records coldest temperature of the century Coffee How to be Swedish – in ten easy steps Why coffee was banned in Sweden five times Swedish word of the day: påtår Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are politicians warning 'there could be war in Sweden'?

This week we discuss: the official end of Christmas, snow-fueled chaos on the E22 motorway, royal abdication speculation, and why politicians and military leaders are warning of the prospect of war in Sweden. Richard Orange stands in as host this week and is joined by regular panelists: Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: End of Christmas When does Christmas end in Sweden? Swedish word of the day: julgransplundring Snow chaos Up to 1,000 cars left stranded for hours in southern Sweden snow chaos INTERVIEW: Truck driver freed from Sweden's snow gridlock after 20 hours Royals Will the King of Sweden be the next Nordic royal to abdicate? Defence Total Defence: What's your role defending Sweden in the event of a military attack? What should foreigners in Sweden think about when preparing for a war or crisis? Swedish defence analyst: 'We should be worried about war in Sweden' 'There could be war in Sweden': Civil Defence Minister urges Swedes to act PM Ulf Kristersson: 'If you don't want to defend Sweden – don't be a Swedish citizen' Sweden's opposition leader slams prime minister over 'uniquely divisive' comments Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's coming up in Sweden in 2024?

This week we take a look at the stories likely to shape Sweden in 2024, from politics and Nato to minority rights, Eurovision, and the economy. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined for the preview of 2024 by all our regular panelists: James Savage, Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Politics What will happen in Swedish politics in 2024? Nato Turkey links Nato ratification of Sweden to F-16 fighter jet sale Reader predictions 'We're losing the life we built in Sweden': Work permit holders dread uncertain future Eurovision Hotels, tickets and scams: What to know about visiting Malmö for Eurovision 2024 Immigrant rights Foreigners in Sweden: How the migration paradigm shift affects our lives Economy What's going to happen to the Swedish economy in 2024? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What were the stories that defined Sweden in 2023?

This week we look back at the biggest news stories in Sweden in 2023, from quran burnings and a heightened terror threat to Nato wrangling, the King's jubilee, and new income requirements for work permit holders. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined for the review of the year by all our regular panelists: James Savage, Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Politics The 20 events that formed Sweden's political landscape in 2023 Nato Turkey links Nato ratification of Sweden to F-16 fighter jet sale Terror threat What you need to know about Sweden's terror threat Gang violence 'Our kids don't even live long enough to become adults' Salary threshold 'We're losing the life we built in Sweden': Work permit holders dread uncertain future King's jubilee IN PICTURES: Swedes throng capital for royal jubilee Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas travel, new political party rumours, and how can immigrants get jobs in Sweden?

In this week's episode: Christmas travel, birds attack giant straw goat, White Christmas dreams, rumours of a new political party, and what can immigrants do to increase their prospects of landing a job in Sweden? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's James Savage and Becky Waterton, and we also have an interview with Amanda Herzog, an American marketing expert who runs a company offering courses to international job seekers. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Christmas travel What to be aware of when travelling in Sweden this Christmas Gävle goat Sweden's Gävle goat is Christmas dinner for peckish birds GOATWATCH: Here's how you can livestream Sweden's Christmas goat Weather Is Sweden heading for a white Christmas? Politics What will happen in Swedish politics in 2024? Working in Sweden If skilled foreigners can't find work, does Sweden have a talent shortage? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cheaper home loans, immigration costs, and plans for a compulsory 'Sweden course'

This week: banks cut rates, the state of Sweden’s democracy, new Pisa rankings, how child refugees have integrated, the ex-Syrian banker behind a successful hummus restaurant, government counts cost of migration, compulsory courses for newcomers, Lucia, Nobel banquet. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's James Savage and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Economy Which Swedish banks now offer the cheapest mortgage rates? Politics Is Sweden sliding towards autocracy one year on from the election? LISTEN: Does Sweden's new coalition deal threaten basic rights? Education Swedish students' maths and reading scores plunge in Pisa world rankings Immigration IN DATA: Why have so many of Sweden's Afghan child refugees got jobs? Syrian banker applied for 'over 2,000' jobs in Sweden before creating his own Sweden's government calls for investigation into cost of immigration What do we know about plans to make a compulsory 'Sweden course' for immigrants? Saint Lucia What you need to know about celebrating Lucia in Sweden Nobel banquet The dinner that proves Sweden is anything but lagom Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Networking is the key to everything in Sweden'

How a call to demolish mosques sent shock waves through Swedish politics

This week: Jimmie Åkesson talks about demolishing mosques, the latest on the Tesla strike, Sweden’s Advent celebrations, solutions journalism, and why some criminologists think it’s time for Sweden to ditch zero tolerance on drugs. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Lögren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Tesla strike Inside Sweden: How will the Tesla strike end? Tesla sues Swedish state agency over number plate blockage Advent Julmys: How to get into the Christmas spirit like a Swede Swedish word of the day: advent Solutions journalism Seven things we've learned about adding a solutions focus to reporting on migration As Europe comes out of lockdown, what lessons can be learned from Sweden? Drugs INTERVIEW: The past, present and future of Sweden's zero-tolerance drug policy Sweden Democrats Sweden Democrat leader calls for mosques to be demolished Why Sweden's far-right leader is showing his radical side Why the Sweden Democrats are still a far-right party LISTEN: How the Sweden Democrats are flirting with the extreme right ARCHIVE: Islam 'Sweden's biggest threat': far-right leader Swedish habits How to handle these 10 maddeningly Swedish passive-aggressive habits Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Permanent residency under review and will cost of living in Sweden soon drop?

Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, and we also have an interview with Northern Lights tour operator Chad Blakley. ___ Sign up for IoT Talks 2023. Presented by Tele2 IoT ___ Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Eurovision How to get tickets for Eurovision in Malmö How much can I charge if I rent out my home on Airbnb in Sweden? Permanent residency EXPLAINED: What do we know about Sweden’s plans to withdraw permanent residency? Flat hierarchies OPINION: Why Sweden’s flat hierarchy can make people seem boring Life expectancy IN DATA: Why do people in Stockholm live the longest lives in Scandinavia? Northern Lights ‘I found the American dream in Swedish Lapland’ How to take the best pictures of the Northern Lights Politics Left Party and Sweden Democrat congresses How to take the best pictures of the Northern Lights Cost of Living Sweden’s central bank leaves interest rate unchanged Swedish food prices 26 percent higher than two years ago – which items are worst affected? How much will life in Sweden cost you in 2024? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is Sweden reacting to the Israel-Hamas war?

In this week's episode: practical Swedes, saying hej to strangers, dithering Liberals, Sweden awaits central bank decision, climate movement split over Greta Thunberg's Palestine support, how Swedish attitudes to Israel-Palestine have changed over the years. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange, and we also have an interview with the author and former ambassador Mathias Mossberg. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Fitting in Ten signs you’re becoming more Swedish than the Swedes Saying hi Swedish city launches campaign to get locals to say ‘hi’ Politics Family in focus as Busch kicks off November congresses Greta Thunberg Greta Thunberg slammed over pro-Palestinian statements at climate rally Israel-Hamas war How the Israel-Gaza attacks became party politics in Sweden Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who were Sweden's first inhabitants and why do more people want guns?

This week on Sweden in Focus: TV history show provokes debate, far-right leader gives speech in Arabic, Sweden's media subsidy system explained, surviving November, and how a wave of international arrests is affect Sweden's gang conflict. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s James Savage and Becky Waterton, and we also have an interview with Expressen’s crime reporter Katrin Krantz. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week: History of Sweden OPINION: Why are racists in Sweden angry at history? ARCHIVE: Who were the first Scandinavians? Sweden Democrat speech OPINION: Åkesson’s speech may be in Arabic, but it’s for Swedish speakers Swedish media subsidies Mentioned at the end of this article: EXPLAINED: Swedish newspapers and how they work Swedish November survival How to love November in Sweden (no, seriously!) Baby, it’s mörv outside: Sweden’s 13th month is here Is this Swedish Christmas trend the secret to happiness? Heartwarming story about Gothenburg’s public library goes viral Gangs Who’s who in Sweden’s gang conflict? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Swedish model under threat, and which party leaders are doomed?

In this week's Sweden in Focus we discuss: industrial action hits Tesla and Klarna, fears that new salary requirements for work permit holders will undermine the Swedish labour market model, how an oil spill and new fishing quotas have put the Baltic Sea in focus , and an ill-tempered battle for control of Sweden’s Green Party. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s James Savage and Richard Orange. __ Sign up for Stockholm Explorative Talks. Presented by Stockholm Academic Forum __ Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week: Strikes Tesla threatens to bring in strikebreakers as Swedish workers strike INTERVIEW: Is Klarna ready for the Swedish model? Historic strike called off after Klarna signs collective bargaining agreement Work permits ‘Irresponsible experiment’: Swedish business leader slams higher work permit threshold ARCHIVE: Is the Swedish Model the fairest of them all? Baltic Sea Clean-up after Sweden ferry oil spill could last ‘up to a year’ Politics Poll misery for the government and the warring Greens Is the Green Party’s past to blame for its current problems? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your questions answered on Sweden's new work permit rules

This week: Halloween, Nato, cable damage in the Baltic Sea, popular TV shows, and we answer readers' questions on Sweden's new salary requirement for work permit holders. Host Paul O’Mahony in Stockholm is joined from Malmö by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Becky Waterton. __ Sign up for Stockholm Explorative Talks. Presented by Stockholm Academic Forum __ Here are links to stories we discuss this week: Halloween Opinion: What can Sweden learn from embracing the American Halloween tradition? All Saints Swedish word of the day: allhelgonadagen Nato & Baltic security Turkish president sends Sweden’s Nato application to parliament Swedish government: ‘External force’ damaged cable between Sweden and Estonia Swedish TV series Are Swedes funny? Explaining the many types of Swedish jokes– includes regular panelist Richard Orange‘s opinion on På spåret. Swedish reality TV show brings Swedish-Americans back ‘home’ Work permits ‘We’re losing the life we built in Sweden’: Work permit holders dread uncertain future Who will fill Sweden’s labour gap when immigrants leave? Reader question: Can I meet Sweden’s new work permit threshold by working multiple jobs? What counts as salary under Sweden's new work permit threshold? Correction: A previous version of the podcast incorrectly stated that OB-tillägg can never be counted as salary. It can, if it is regular and mentioned in your employment contract. We apologise for the confusion. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why a terrorist targeted Swedes, and does the far right run Sweden now?

__ Sign up for Stockholm Explorative Talks. Presented by Stockholm Academic Forum __ In this week's episode we look at the latest Covid recommendations, how the far-right Sweden Democrats are using their new-found power, why immigrants kickstart so many events in Sweden, and why a terrorist targeted and murdered two Swedish football fans in Brussels. Host Paul O’Mahony in Stockholm is joined from Malmö by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week: Covid-19 Who should get vaccinated against Covid in Sweden and when? Immigration EXPLAINED: Sweden’s inquiry on taking asylum rules to EU minimum Sweden Democrats: ‘We’ve been too generous on asylum for too long’ Foreigners take the initiative Why Sweden should protect its fantastic popular education organisations How can I watch the 2023 Cricket World Cup in Sweden? How the Nordics lead Europe in Indian Durga Puja celebrations Brussels terror attack Why were Swedes targeted in the Brussels terror attack? Leading Sweden Democrat criticised for Brussels attack tweet Brussels gunman served prison time in Sweden Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

INTERVIEW: Why didn't the Social Democrats fix Sweden's school segregation problems?

In this bonus episode of Sweden in Focus, we speak to the Social Democratic former education minister Anna Ekström about Nordic 'folk high schools', budget cuts to study associations, worsening segregation in Sweden's schools, why boys are underperforming, and whether Sweden needs more external grading. In Saturday’s episode, the former government minister talked about ‘folkbildning’ as a particularly Nordic approach to education. Here we continue the conversation as Anna Ekström talks about her roles within the ABF study association, the history of the wider folkbildning movement, and the challenges faced today by the Swedish education system. Host Paul O’Mahony is also joined by The Local’s James Savage and Becky Waterton. Here are links to some related stories, starting with Richard Orange‘s recent article on his own experience with the ABF study association: Why Sweden should protect its fantastic popular education organisations Budget cuts to folkbildning Sweden still ‘a land of possibilities’ for foreigners says finance minister School segregation LISTEN: How can Sweden make its schools less segregated? ARCHIVE: What’s behind the rising inequality in Sweden’s schools, and can it be fixed? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Work permit holders appeal to Sweden to let them stay

In this week's episode: Foxtrot leader reportedly arrested in Iran, Swedish reaction to Israel-Hamsas war, and lots of reaction to Sweden's new pay threshold for work permits. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage and Becky Waterton, and this week’s guest, Sweden’s former education minister Anna Ekström, who also has a background as a labour law lawyer. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week: Gang crime How likely is it that Iran hands over Swedish gang leader Rawa Majid? Israel-Hamas war Malmö mayor slams celebrations of attack on Israel Foreign ministry to evacuate Swedes from Israel and Palestine Work permits ‘We’re losing the life we built in Sweden’: Work permit holders dread uncertain future All The Local’s latest work permit stories Listeners in Sweden seeking support about mental health about can contact mental health awareness organization Mind or call Sweden’s national health hotline 1177 for help in English. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Immigrant fears over work permit rules and Sweden moves towards more surveillance

In this week's episode: weak krona means less Nobel prize money, Sweden’s government plans more surveillance, what the future holds for Scandinavian Airlines, how work permit holders will be affected by a new salary threshold, how organised crime networks in Sweden are opening healthcare centres. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage and Becky Waterton, and we also hear from criminologist Manne Gerell from Malmö University. SURVEY: Would you listen to more podcasts from The Local? Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week: Foreign minister’s passport Swedish foreign minister misses Kyiv summit after forgetting passport Nobel prize week Nobel Prize winners left short-changed by weak Swedish krona Sweden-based scientist becomes fifth woman to win Nobel Physics Prize All The Local’s latest Nobel prize stories Plans for new police powers Swedish government to launch ‘rapid inquiry’ into increased surveillance Scandinavian Airlines Air France-KLM to buy almost one fifth of SAS Work permits Sweden to roll out new work permit minimum salary next month How Sweden’s new work permit salary threshold will work in practice Tell us: How will Sweden’s new salary threshold for work permits affect you? Gang funding Swedish gang criminals ‘branching out into healthcare sector’ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shocking week of gang violence, and why northern Sweden needs foreign workers

In this week's episode: Is Sweden underfunding schools and healthcare?; motorway mudslide; Turkey gives fresh impetus to Sweden's Nato bid; why northern Sweden needs foreign workers, and Prime Minister wants military help to crack down on gangs. This week host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage and Richard Orange, and we also hear from the Skellefteå-based journalist Paul Connolly. SURVEY: Would you listen to more podcasts from The Local? Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week: Politics in Sweden Why Sweden’s finance minister is willing to be unpopular Landslide IN NUMBERS: Sweden’s lucky escape as landslide causes huge motorway sinkhole Swedish motorway landslide: What happens next? Nato latest ‘Not urgent’ for Sweden to join Nato, says Hungary’s Viktor Orbán Turkey agrees to approve Sweden’s Nato application in return for fighter jets Jobs in northern Sweden Meet the foreigners moving to northern Sweden to turn industry green Five things I love about northern Sweden Gang violence Swedish prime minister seeks military help to crack down on gangs Who’s who in Sweden’s gang conflict? How could Sweden put an end to its deadly wave of gang crime? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.