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.

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287 episodes
Updated July 25

Episodes287

Newest first

Oct 1, 2025 · 6 min
Sweden’s teen deportation problem ‘extremely easy’ to fix
In this week’s episode The Local's Nordic editor Richard Orange interviews the Gothenburg-based immigration lawyer Tomas Fridh. Many of The Local’s readers have been directly affected by a law that has led to the young adult children of permanent residency applicants being forced to leave Sweden unless they’re able to fully provide for themselves. When the government recently proposed new family reunification rules they indicated that this would effectively put an end to teen deportations. While he believes the problem is easy to solve, Tomas Fridh fears that the new proposals will actually make the situation worse. Why Sweden's family reunion proposals will cause more teen deportations Listen to the interview to find out more about why he’s sceptical of the government’s new plan and to hear what he thinks more broadly about Sweden's increasingly strict immigration policies as someone who’s dealing with their consequences on a daily basis. READ ALSO: Sweden proposes tighter rules on self-sufficiency for family reunification 'We are devastated': Volvo engineer’s family forced out of Sweden by teen deportation law EXPLAINED: How to avoid Sweden's teen deportation trap Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sweden in Focus Extra is a podcast for The Local's Membership+ subscribers. Sign up to Membership+ now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 27, 2025 · 24 min
What's in the Swedish right's radical new plan (apart from disenfranchising immigrants)?
In this week's episode we talk about whether immigrants will soon have to sign a contract promising to follow Swedish norms, and what's in the Swedish right's radical new plan for the next four years if it wins the 2026 election? We also examine reactions to a bumper budget and its impact on voters. For Membership+ subscribers we have updates on the issue of the Migration Agency not accepting some passports as a valid form of ID. Finally, we look at what readers of The Local have been telling us about things that make life in Sweden convenient. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Immigration Moderates call for 'Sweden contract' for newly-arrived immigrants Ten things our version of a 'Sweden contract' would have to include Politics How Sweden’s 2026 budget could affect your finances Can Swedish government's budget splurge win it the 2026 election? Swedish ruling parties mull stripping non-citizens of local vote Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 24, 2025 · 5 min
'A big impact': How important is your name when seeking a job in Sweden?
In this clip from Sweden in Focus Extra, The Local's Nordic editor Richard Orange chats with Moa Bursell, a sociologist from Mälardalen University who specialises in ethnic discrimination on the labour market. Richard caught up with the researcher recently for an article about why some immigrants change their names to sound more Swedish. The immigrants who make their names more Swedish by adding -sson They also talk about how big a role ethnicity plays in the chances of getting called for a job interview, and whether Sweden is getting more or less open to people with foreign names. READ ALSO: ARCHIVE: Swedish study confirms foreign name CV bias 'Reassess your cultural background': Key tips for foreign job hunters in Sweden Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sweden in Focus Extra is a podcast for The Local's Membership+ subscribers. Sign up to Membership+ now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 20, 2025 · 20 min
Are anti-immigrant attacks in Sweden getting the coverage they deserve?
In this week's episode we talk about anti-immigrant attacks in Stockholm and why a government minister won’t answer questions in parliament on how much he knew about his son’s involvement, until recently, with an extremist group alleged to be behind the attacks. We’ll also discuss the Swedish language and how the words we use every day gradually creep into how we speak English. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists James Savage and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Immigration Swedish migration minister called to testify to parliament about relative's white supremacism links Language Eight Swedish words I now use in English Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 17, 2025 · 6 min
'I've never even jaywalked in Sweden'
In this clip from Sweden in Focus Extra, The Local's Richard Orange talks to Masoud Jamshidian, a solutions architect from Iran who is facing deportation from Sweden as a result of an insurance error made by his employer. 'Like prison for stealing a bag of chips': IT architect faces deportation from Sweden Deportations of this kind are often referred to in the Swedish media as kompetensutvisningar, or talent deportations. They used to be relatively commonplace but a 2017 court case was supposed to have brought an end to him. In the interview Masoud Jamshidian, also known as Farnham, tells us about the details of his case, why he and his lawyers think it qualifies as this kind of talent deportation, and how the court ruling has upended the life he has built for himself in Sweden. READ ALSO: Swedish word of the day: kompetensutvisning Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sweden in Focus Extra is a podcast for The Local's Membership+ subscribers. Sign up to Membership+ now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 13, 2025 · 14 min
What's in Sweden's 'absolutely shameless' new budget?
In this week's episode we talk about Sweden’s expansive new budget and how it’s likely to affect our pockets – and next year’s election. We'll also help hone your Swedish language skills as we explain the subtle but all-important differences between different words for the English ‘put’. For Membership+ subscribers we look at the fallout after Sweden’s civil defence minister was pursued in the street by angry pro-Palestinian protestors. And we examine how Sweden is planning to make it harder for the family members of immigrants to move here. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Budget Sweden's government to cut taxes on work and pensions How much will you save in Sweden's bumper 2026 budget? Language Lägga, sätta, ställa: the different Swedish words for ‘put’ Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 10, 2025 · 7 min
'We have let the Sweden Democrats become our voice on immigration'
In this clip from Sweden in Focus Extra, The Local's Richard Orange catches up with Douglas Thor, the head of the Moderate party’s youth wing, to talk about his ideas for combating teen deportations. As we’ve reported quite a bit recently, Sweden is routinely deporting the young adult children of permanent residency applicants if they can’t support themselves financially, and Douglas Thor has been vocal in his criticism of how the country is essentially forcing away families who he believes have a lot to contribute to society. He also has a lot to say about the salary threshold for work permits, how he thinks his own party has gone way too far in bending to the will of the far-right Sweden Democrats, and much more besides. Membership+ subscribers can listen to the interview in the latest episode of Sweden in Focus Extra. READ ALSO: 'A bug in the system is seeing hard-working people deported from Sweden' EXPLAINED: How to avoid Sweden's teen deportation trap 'Sweden is less appealing': How teen deportations deter foreign talent Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 6, 2025 · 34 min
Is Sweden's new cultural canon helpful for immigrants?
In this week's episode, panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange tell us how they've recently embellished their Swedish credentials through woodland activities and crayfish parties. In news, we look at how the government is planning to combat high food prices as well as what property prices and the value of the krona are telling us about the state of Sweden’s economy. We also dive into the new Swedish cultural canon that was presented this week and we hear what people are saying about a list spanning everything from Ikea to Pippi Longstocking. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Economy How much money will Sweden's halving of food VAT save an average family? Swedish apartment prices nearing three-year high Swedish krona reaches strongest level in more than three years Cultural canon Pippi, Ikea and the Nobel prize: Sweden gets its first cultural canon FULL LIST: Everything that's in Sweden's new cultural canon Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 3, 2025 · 4 min
Moving to Sweden: 'The help I got from Dalarna was mind-blowing'
In this clip from Sweden in Focus Extra, host Paul O'Mahony chats with Iain Forbes, a medical professional from the UK who moved to Falun shortly after the 2016 Brexit vote. In the interview Forbes speaks in glowing terms about the integration package offered to him by the Dalarna Region, which included six months of fully paid language instruction as well as assistance with relocation and housing. Get Membership+ Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 30, 2025 · 22 min
Why Swedish universities are refusing to design citizenship tests
In this week's episode we talk about the government’s plans for citizenship tests and why universities want nothing to do with creating them. And when does autumn start in Sweden? Have we given up on summer already? Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Citizenship Stockholm University protests Swedish citizenship test role Summer Inside Sweden: When does summer in Sweden actually end? Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 23, 2025 · 27 min
So you moved to Sweden. Are you an immigrant, a foreigner or an expat?
In this week's episode we talk about the latest from the trial of Sweden’s former national security chief, Henrik Landerholm, over the negligent handling of classified documents. We also discuss the language used to describe people who weren’t born in Sweden. Are we immigrants, foreigners, expats or something else entirely? Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Mushrooms How to pick mushrooms in Sweden like you've been doing it all your life Cricket Cricket in Sweden: how can an immigrant-powered sport attract new players? Kiruna Historic Swedish church arrives at new home Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 20, 2025 · 15 min
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 attended an event recently introducing Swedish parliamentarians to the sport. To get a feel for the state of the game in Sweden, James spoke to the event’s organizer, Nagendra Siddoutam from Anchor Sports, and Mattias Karlsson, a Moderate Party politician. Host Paul O’Mahony is also joined by The Local’s Nordic editor Richard Orange, who previously wrote a series of articles detailing a scandal that led to the national federation being stripped of its funding. Earlier this year the Swedish Sports Federation ended the cricket organisation’s suspension and enthusiasts are now once again focused on bringing the sport to as many people as possible in Sweden. READ ALSO: LONG READ: How Cricket in Sweden went from triumph to near disaster Swedish Cricket Federation escapes suspension after two years Cricket is booming in Sweden, thanks to migrants Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 16, 2025 · 18 min
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 government is likely to do anything to stop the trend of young adults being deported while their working parents are allowed to stay in Sweden. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Northvolt KEY POINTS: What do we know about the rescue of Swedish battery company Northvolt? Lyten agrees to buy bankrupt Swedish battery company Northvolt Immigration Will Sweden’s government act to stop ‘teen deportations’? Why is Sweden's 2021 migration law leading to 'teen deportations'? Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 9, 2025 · 15 min
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 to deal with Israel, and we dig into reactions to news that the Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson uses Chat GPT to test out new ideas. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelist Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Swedish traditions Eight phrases to get back in the groove like a Swede after the summer holidays Weather MAP: The places in northern Sweden that set new heat records in July Tourists seeking 'coolcations' in Norway and Sweden hit by heatwaves instead Politics Politics in Sweden: Swedish right divided over relations with Israel Christian Democrat leader slammed for claiming Israel 'doing the world a favour' Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 2, 2025 · 33 min
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 as Sweden is tightening up. And we assess Sweden’s big political experiment: a centre-right government backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats. Three years on, how has it been working? Host Richard Orange is joined this week by The Local's publisher James Savage and Denmark editor Michael Barrett. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Work Permits Denmark to ease work permit rules for 16 non-EU countries Sweden raises work permit salary threshold to almost 30,000 kronor Politics Can Kristersson convince voters to give him another term? Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 30, 2025 · 18 min
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 for overseeing a new list of jobs which could be exempted from a future salary threshold for work permits. She tells us how and why the list was put together, what it consists of, and what practical impact, if any, it is likely to have. Membership+ subscribers can listen to the interview in the latest episode of Sweden in Focus Extra. Read also: Swedish Migration Agency rates just two jobs as 'high risk' for work permits REVEALED: The 152 jobs that could be excused minimum salary for a Swedish work permit Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 26, 2025 · 22 min
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, and we talk about what it's like to have a baby in Sweden. Floods How can you protect your Swedish home against downpours? Swedish summer 'On a sunny day, it can't be beat': The best things about spending summer in Sweden Having babies How to use Swedish parental leave to spend four months with your baby back home What you need to know about giving birth in Sweden Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 23, 2025 · 10 min
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. Host Paul O’Mahony in Stockholm is joined this week from Malmö by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. READ ALSO: SWEDISH TEST: Can you pass the vocab part of Sweden's version of the SAT? What you need to know about applying to university in Sweden The seven stages of learning Swedish every foreigner goes through Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 19, 2025 · 17 min
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 how the scandal is affecting the government. We also discuss what's behind a recent spate of redundancies in Sweden's games sector, an industry that employs a disproportionately high number of foreign workers. Politics Swedish minister vows to stay on despite son's links to white supremacist groups INTERVIEW: Probe into minister's relative has revealed 'threat to Swedish security' Working in Sweden 'Awesome people get pushed away': What's happening in the Swedish gaming industry? The seven bizarre traditions that make up Swedish Midsummer Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 12, 2025 · 14 min
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 of Högskoleprovet, the Swedish university entrance exam. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined for the quiz by regular panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. READ ALSO: SWEDISH TEST: Can you pass the vocab part of Sweden's version of the SAT? What you need to know about applying to university in Sweden The seven stages of learning Swedish every foreigner goes through Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.