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Sweden in Focus

The Local

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.

Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 287 episodes
  • Updated July 25

Episodes287

Newest first
  • Sep 23, 2023 · 33 min

    How will the budget affect you, and why is Sweden's gang violence escalating?

    In this week's podcast we discuss: mushroom foraging tips, why Sweden's highest mountain is melting, how the new budget will affect you, and what are the underlying factors behind a vicious new wave of violence in Sweden's ongoing gang feuds? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange, as well as the Swedish crime reporter Katrin Krantz from the Expressen newspaper. SURVEY: Would you listen to more podcasts from The Local? Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week: Mushrooms How to pick mushrooms in Sweden like you've been doing it all your life Kebnekaise How I tamed Sweden's highest peak Budget How will the 2024 budget affect foreigners in Sweden? How Sweden's 2024 budget could affect your finances Sweden's emissions to rise as budget relaxes green targets to fight inflation Gang wars Timeline: Seven fatal shootings in ten days in Sweden Swedish police chief warns of 'unprecedented' wave of gang killings Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Sep 16, 2023 · 31 min

    King’s 50th jubilee, and must Swedish citizenship be ‘protected’?

    In this week's episode: Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf celebrates 50 years on the throne, several countries block Swedish pork after swine fever outbreak, unemployment on the rise, and Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenegard on why Swedish citizenship 'must be respected and protected'. This week host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Becky Waterton, and we also have an interview with Sweden’s migration minister, Maria Malmer Stenegard. Please take our survey: Would you listen to more podcasts from The Local? Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week: Quiz QUIZ: How much do you know about King Carl XVI Gustaf? How is Sweden celebrating the 50th anniversary of King Carl XVI Gustaf? Swine fever Countries block Swedish pork over swine fever outbreak Unemployment Everything you need to know if you lose your job in Sweden Eight predictions about the Swedish economy over the next few years Citizenship What we know so far about Sweden’s new citizenship proposal Migration minister: ‘Swedish citizenship must be respected and protected to a greater extent’ ___ PODCAST LISTENER OFFER: Become a member of The Local SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Sep 9, 2023 · 34 min

    What immigrants think of Sweden's migration shift, euro debate, and stinky herring

    In this week's episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast, our panelists are talking about fermented herring, the biggest trial in Swedish history, how the 'paradigm shift' in migration policy is affecting foreigners, and the reawakening of a debate on joining the euro. This week host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange, and we also hear from one of Sweden’s foremost economists, Lars Calmfors. PODCAST LISTENER OFFER: Become a member of The Local Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week: Stinky fish Why Swedish fermented herring is more fun than crayfish Lundin Oil Biggest trial in Swedish history gets under way: Top oil executives face court Sweden’s migration shift Foreigners in Sweden: How the migration paradigm shift affects our lives Swedish work permit overhaul ready ‘by start of next year’ Euro debate Should Sweden abandon a weak krona for the euro? ___ NEWSLETTER SIGNUP: The Local’s member newsletters SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 1, 2023 · 33 min

    Will new renting rules fix Sweden's housing crisis?

    In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren, while James Savage calls in from Almedalen. This week we discuss: Airline strike Employers and unions have negotiated a settlement meaning the strike due to start on July 3rd has been called off. Follow the latest updates on our travel news page. Deadly rollercoaster accident Gröna Lund: What we know about Sweden's fatal rollercoaster crash Sex workers told to pay tax 'No room for interpretation': Swedish sex workers told to pay tax Rental reform EXPLAINED: Sweden's plans to free up private rental market __ NEWSLETTER SIGNUP: The Local's member newsletters SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Become a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jun 24, 2023 · 30 min

    Why Swedes take such long summer holidays (and why we all should)

    In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Richard Orange, James Savage, and Becky Waterton. This week we discuss: Russia threat Russia could pose threat to Sweden 'for decades' Lack of diversity in business How diverse is company leadership in Sweden? Economy latest Swedish economy expected to pick up again 'late this year' Summer holidays Why do the Swedes take such long summer holidays? How to have a cheap holiday in Sweden this summer Swedish word of the day: allemansrätten __ SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Become a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jun 17, 2023 · 39 min

    Midsummer tips, smoke-free Sweden, and how Stockholm can learn from Malmö on gun crime

    In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Richard Orange, James Savage, and Becky Waterton. This week we discuss: Beyoncé Bills, bills bills: Beyoncé blamed for Sweden's inflation disappointment Midsummer The Local's ultimate guide to Midsummer's Eve Smoke-free Sweden How Sweden got close to stubbing out smoking for good Nato latest Turkish president dampens hopes of Sweden joining Nato in July Hungary set to vote on Sweden Nato bid before July summit Gang crime How could Sweden put an end to its deadly wave of gang crime? IN STATS: How safe is Sweden in comparison to similar countries? The interview with the crime reporter Diamant Salihu that we refer to in the episode was published in two parts on February 4th and 7th if you'd like to go back and listen. __ SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Become a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jun 3, 2023 · 34 min

    What you need to know about Sweden’s planned permanent residency tests

    In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Emma Löfgren, James Savage, and Becky Waterton. This week we discuss: Sweden’s stalled Nato application Russian ‘spy whale’ turns up in Swedish waters US urges Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden’s Nato membership Nato chief ‘confident’ Sweden will become full member of military alliance National Day The lowdown on Sweden’s National Day LISTEN: Last year’s National Day/school graduation podcast School graduation Why are Swedish teens in white hats singing and drinking on trucks? Swedish word of the day: utspring Midwife shortage What’s the state of Sweden’s maternity wards this summer? Permanent residency tests What do we know about Sweden’s planned tests for permanent residency? __ Subscribe to The Local Become a member Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 30, 2023 · 22 min

    How the Swedish health system works (and doesn't work)

    In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange, and Becky Waterton for the second part of our interview with Anna Gustafsson, healthcare reporter for the Dagens Nyheter newspaper. Here are a few articles linked to the topics we discuss: How the Swedish healthcare system works EXPLAINED: What to do if you face a long wait for healthcare in Sweden Situation in Sweden's hospitals 'terrible and completely unacceptable': watchdog How much will I have to pay to go to the dentist in Sweden? __ SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Become a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 27, 2023 · 36 min

    Lifestyle trends, Swexit talk, and how good is Swedish healthcare?

    In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange, and Becky Waterton, and we also welcome a guest, Anna Gustafsson, a journalist covering healthcare for the Dagens Nyheter newspaper. In this week's episode we discuss: Swedish lifestyle trends Five suggestions for the next hyped Swedish lifestyle trend Swedish word of the day: gökotta Swexit talk INTERVIEW: How best to respond to the Sweden Democrats' Swexit gambit Healthcare How the Swedish healthcare system works __ SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Become a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 23, 2023 · 40 min

    How can Sweden make its schools less segregated?

    In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange, and Becky Waterton for the second part of our interview with Emma Leijnse, schools reporter for the Sydsvenkan newspaper and the author of several books on the Swedish school system. After last week’s episode, Richard had some thoughts about what international studies say about schools: OPINION: Why I hope the stats are right about Swedish children’s reading and maths Other topics we discuss in this episode include: School segregation What’s behind the rising inequality in Sweden’s schools, and can it be fixed? PIRLS study Swedish reading skills fell in 2021 despite decision to keep schools open PISA study What do the Pisa rankings really tell us about Swedish schools? Boys & girls Opinion: Why Sweden should care about boys falling behind in school __ Become a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 20, 2023 · 33 min

    Summer getaways, lower food prices, and Swedish schools explained

    In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange, and Becky Waterton, and we also welcome a guest to the Malmö studio: Emma Leijnse is a journalist covering schools and education for the Sydsvenskan newspaper and is also the author of three books on the Swedish school system. In this week’s episode we discuss: Weekend getaway tips Readers reveal: Top tips for things to do in Sweden this summer Six great spots in Sweden for a springtime getaway New work permit units EXPLAINED: Sweden’s plans for a new work permit system for high-skilled labour Inflation, interest rates and food prices Swedish food prices drop as inflation beats expectations EXPLAINED: How could Sweden’s latest inflation news affect your finances? Sweden's school system Swedish reading skills fell in 2021 despite decision to keep schools open Schooling: What you need to know when moving to Sweden with children What schools do foreigners in Sweden send their children to and are they happy? __ Become a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 12, 2023 · 36 min

    Is democracy really under threat in Sweden?

    In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists James Savage, Richard Orange, and Becky Waterton. In this week’s episode we discuss: Eurovision fever ‘Almost goddess status’: Sweden’s Loreen tipped to win Eurovision Rail strike Swedish rail strike postponed but Stockholm trains still affected Jimmie Åkesson Sweden’s government has its ‘here’s Jimmie!’ moment Sweden Democrats leader says ‘fundamentalist Muslims’ cannot be Swedes Scandinavian languages Why don’t Scandinavians try harder to understand each other? How to turn the one Scandinavian language you are learning into three Democracy Is this government really a threat to democracy? __ Become a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 2, 2023 · 33 min

    INTERVIEW: Why is Sweden scared to talk about racism? Part 2

    Tune in for the second part of our interview with Lola Akinmade Åkerström where she talks more about how Sweden can get better at dealing with racism, how frequently she’s confronted with micro-aggressions, the ideas of integration versus assimilation, a tendency in Europe to fetishize and limit black women, what happens when the Swedish concept of lagom is applied collectively, the prospect of her novel In Every Mirror She’s Black making it to the screen, and what’s next for her characters in the upcoming sequel. Don't miss: SURVEY: 'Sweden is decades behind on racism and diversity' 'Stop! This is what lagom truly means' Analysis - ‘No such thing as race’: why Sweden’s colour-blind approach is failing CNN - Opinion: Why is Sweden afraid of publishing this book on race? New York Times - A Social Media Takedown Is a Blessing in Disguise for Sweden Previous episodes: LISTEN: Racism in Sweden, and how welcome do foreigners feel after the election? LISTEN: Why doesn't Sweden gather data on race and ethnicity – and should it? __ Become a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Apr 29, 2023 · 38 min

    Why is Sweden scared to talk about racism?

    Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists James Savage, Richard Orange, and Becky Waterton as well as our guest this week, author and photographer Lola Akinmade Åkerström. This week's topics: Culture shock These are the worst culture shocks for foreigners coming to Sweden Valborg & May 1st What exactly is Valborg, and where are the best places to celebrate it? Why is May 1st a public holiday in Sweden? Sweden Democrats and the EU migration pact Sweden Democrats threaten to topple government Asylum seeker child raises millions for charity 'Like winning the lottery' Racism in Sweden Finally, Lola Akinmade Åkerström tells us about In Every Mirror She's Black, her novel that tackles racism in Sweden and which Swedish publishers have rejected despite its success overseas. SURVEY: 'Sweden is decades behind on racism and diversity' 'Stop! This is what lagom truly means' Analysis - ‘No such thing as race’: why Sweden’s colour-blind approach is failing CNN - Opinion: Why is Sweden afraid of publishing this book on race? New York Times - A Social Media Takedown Is a Blessing in Disguise for Sweden Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Apr 27, 2023 · 27 min

    INTERVIEW: Is Spotify ready for the Swedish model?

    For our second bonus episode this week’s we’re going to listen to the familiar voice of our Nordic editor Richard Orange and his recent interview with Henry Catalini Smith, chairman of the Unionen trade union club at Spotify. The interview was recorded on the 14th of April, a couple of days after Unionen submitted its request to start negotiations with Spotify over the introduction of a collective bargaining agreement. We’ll hear why Henry Catalini Smith wanted to start a union club, how he tailored the message for Spotify’s many immigrant workers, how layoff announcements have affected the company, how management reacted to his union efforts, and much more. Last week, after this interview was recorded, Spotify pushed back against the drive to unionize by distributing leaflets to employees arguing against the need for a collective bargaining agreement. Read more about Spotify’s counter-arguments and other perspectives on the unionization process via the links below. Would foreign tech workers in Sweden gain or lose from a union deal? Swedish word of the day: Kollektivavtal INTERVIEW: ‘Spotify need to realise they’re a bigger player and should act like one’ And don’t miss our two-part interview with Sen Kanner, union club chairperson at Klarna, which you can find in the two previous episodes. _ Become a member of The Local Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.