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

Jul 5, 2025 · 15 min
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 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.
Jun 28, 2025 · 40 min
Almedalen special: Swedish red tape vexes Ukrainians
Also: Interview with ex-US Ambassador Erik Ramanathan, plus what the future holds for foreign workers at bankrupt Northvolt
Jun 20, 2025 · 14 min
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 running across it. We also discuss what foreigners do to fit in in Sweden and why some people push back against assimilation. 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: Sweden and Denmark Why the Bridge Run between Sweden and Denmark meant so much to me Reader insights 'Sometimes I explode inside': How foreigners in Sweden become more Swedish to fit in Ten signs you're becoming more Swedish than the Swedes 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.
Jun 14, 2025 · 18 min
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 — including a new rule that could help you stay in the country if you lose your job. For Membership+ subscribers we explore why Swedes are dropping traditional surnames, racism in Swedish nightclubs, and why party leaders have been reprimanded after calling for a slow down in citizenship processing. Host Richard Orange is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Donation Donate to The Local Work permits How Sweden wants to make it easier to change employers on a work permit Sweden set to double three-month deadline for (some) laid-off work permit holders Midsummer Why is Midsummer's Eve celebrated in Sweden? 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.
Jun 7, 2025 · 14 min
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 international adoptions and apologising to adoptees. 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: Alcohol What Sweden's new alcohol law means for buyers and producers Family Swedish inquiry calls for official state apology to international adoptees 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.
May 31, 2025 · 18 min
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 develop new kinds of pre-approved houses to make it easier for people to buy their own homes. 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: Sweden and Israel Sweden to summon Israeli ambassador to protest Israel blocking aid to Gaza Sweden calls for EU sanctions targeting 'individual Israeli ministers' How Israel's invasion of Gaza became Swedish party politics again Politics Why the 'Sverigehus' is a warning for the Sweden Democrats' future Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 24, 2025 · 22 min
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 media? We also look at a hotly debated new law criminalising the purchase of sex online. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Swedish citizenship Sweden's Migration Agency to handle oldest citizenship cases first after criticism How will Sweden's new personal ID checks for citizenship work? Swedish MP says citizenship freeze is 'what the government wanted' Citizenship freeze 'makes a mockery of all those who call Sweden their home' Inside Sweden: If you want citizenship to mean something, this is not how to do it Politics How Sweden's new 'OnlyFans law' bans procuring custom-made online porn 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.
May 17, 2025 · 18 min
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 how Sweden’s immigration policies are harming foreign researchers. For Membership+ subscribers we look at the ongoing saga of Sweden’s failed attempt to appoint a national security advisor after the latest pick for the job stepped down within hours over leaked photos from the Grindr app. We also have more from last week’s interview with the migration minister, Johan Forssell, and we look into why the Migration Agency rejected an unusually high number of citizenships applications in April. 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: Environment How to prepare for a water shortage in Sweden this summer Sweden and the US Stockholm v Trump: 'If US embassy wanted a building permit, they would have a problem' 'Completely bizarre': Stockholm hits back at US embassy's anti-DEI contract Studying in Sweden Sweden's university union slams 'exploitative' migration policy Five things Sweden should do to attract foreign researchers 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.
May 10, 2025 · 27 min
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. On a related note, we immerse ourselves in sauna culture and the Swedish language as it’s spoken in Finland. We discuss new comments from Sweden’s migration minister, Johan Forssell, on the three-month deadline for job seekers on work permits and how he’s taking inspiration from Finland when it comes to attracting highly skilled workers to Sweden. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Eurovision Why Sweden's bizarre sauna hit could actually win Eurovision What do the lyrics of Sweden's Eurovision entry Bara Bada Bastu actually mean? Language Kiva! Seven unique Finland Swedish words the world needs to know Swedish traditions 'Bara bada bastu': The ultimate guide to Swedish sauna etiquette Immigration Swedish Migration Minister: 'No formal decision' made on future work permit salary threshold 'Enormous potential': How Sweden's migration minister wants to attract international talent OPINION: Want to make Sweden more attractive, Johan Forssell? Listen to those already here OPINION: Sweden needs to reconsider 'three-month deadline' for laid-off non-EU workers 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.
May 7, 2025 · 32 min
'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 compatriots fled Syria to seek shelter in the country he has since come to call home. As a journalist, he documented the stories of those fleeing persecution as part of a project for The Local where he interviewed asylum seekers in Arabic about their new lives in Sweden and how they were adapting. This makes him very well placed to talk about his experience of what became known as the refugee crisis of 2015 when an unprecedented 163,000 asylum seekers made their way to Sweden. After gaining citizenship in 2019 he went on to pursue studies in filmmaking, graduating in 2022 with a film that tackles xenophobia and what it means to be Swedish. In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus Extra, Walli explains what brought him to Sweden, his own relationship to the country, and how attitudes to immigration and immigrants have changed in the past decade. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 3, 2025 · 24 min
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 refugees we also look at how Sweden reacted to the 2015 crisis how how its approach to asylum immigration has changed since then. 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: Politics Swedish education minister and Liberal leader Johan Pehrson resigns Immigration 2015 ARCHIVE: Refugee centres packed as cold winter calls 2015 ARCHIVE: Sweden split over move to tighten asylum rules 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.
Apr 26, 2025 · 17 min
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 of Sweden’s Valborg celebrations and why bonfires will be lit across Sweden on the last day of the month. For Membership+ subscribers we jump forward a day to the first of May and what to expect on the public holiday that is Labour Day. We discuss what to make of a recent burst of activity from the Social Democrats, the party most closely associated with May Day in Sweden. Finally, with the deadline for filing taxes coming up next week, we give some last minute tips before checking out what readers of The Local are telling us are the most annoying things about Swedish bureaucracy. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Swedish traditions What exactly is Swedish Valborg, and where are the best places to celebrate it? Religion Could a Swedish cardinal become the next pope? 'It would be fun to have a Swedish pope but I think it's pretty unlikely' 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.
Apr 18, 2025 · 15 min
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’s new spring budget. For Membership+ subscribers we give you background on the proposed new leader of the Centre Party and what her nomination means for Sweden’s complicated political arithmetic. And finally we’ll examine efforts underway by a couple of Swedish municipalities to attract American academics who might be eager to leave the United States amid funding cuts and worries about academic freedom. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Becky Waterton. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Easter Witches and herring: Seven traditions that reveal it's Easter in Sweden Why do Swedes celebrate holidays a day early? Sign up for The Local's Swedish Fika Calendar Money What do we know about Sweden's 2025 spring budget? Sweden was on the road to economic recovery – then Trump happened 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.
Apr 12, 2025 · 18 min
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 also examine the political fallout after an official inquiry recommended stricter regulation of Sweden’s much-debated free schools. For Membership+ subscribers we look at efforts to stop motorists running over frogs and we discuss differences between how animal noises are described in English and Swedish. We also dig into calls by the opposition Social Democrats to extend the current three-month time limit given to work permit holders to land a new job when they find themselves out of work. And finally we have the latest on Sweden’s moves to make it impossible for asylum seekers to get permanent residency. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and Becky Waterton. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Podcast awards The Local's Sweden in Focus podcast shortlisted for award Cost of living Coffee prices hit record high in Sweden What's the history behind Sweden's regional coffee varieties? Sign up for The Local's Swedish Fika Calendar Schools How far-reaching are the government's proposals to reform free schools? Why free school profit curbs could matter for Sweden’s next election 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.
Apr 5, 2025 · 30 min
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 Forssell on attracting and retaining highly skilled workers. We also hear from Américo Fernández, an SEB economist and personal finance expert, on how foreigners in Sweden can navigate difficult times in the Swedish economy. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and Becky Waterton. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Immigration What's in Sweden's new 'poor conduct' proposal for residence permits? Sweden set to make 'poor conduct' ground for revoking residence permits OPINION: Swedish media must get better at covering immigrant perspectives 'A trust breaker': Foreign tech workers campaign against new Swedish citizenship law INTERVIEW: 'We are working intensively to attract more high-skilled workers to Sweden' Cost of Living What's on the horizon for the Swedish economy and how will that affect internationals? Why the pay rise negotiated by Sweden's industrial unions matters 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.
Mar 29, 2025 · 30 min
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 tighten citizenship requirements. Our panelists also discuss why Swedish politicians in Brussels have fought tooth and nail to retain the right for 15-year-old Swedes to drive extremely slowly in car-like contraptions on Swedish roads. And why are the far-right Sweden Democrats floating the idea of a future partnership with the once all-powerful Social Democrats. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Swedish citizenship ‘A trust breaker’: Foreign tech workers campaign against Swedish citizenship law OPINION: Swedish media must get better at covering immigrant perspectives Want to make Sweden more attractive, Johan Forssell? Listen to those already here Understanding Swedes Why do Swedish teenagers drive small and excruciatingly slow cars? Politics Why are the Sweden Democrats making overtures to the Social Democrats? 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.
Mar 22, 2025 · 29 min
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 for expulsion from Sweden and Northvolt filed for bankruptcy. We also ask if Sweden should be doing more to involve immigrants in the construction of a cultural canon that could be used for citizenship tests. For Membership+ subscribers we find out what Americans are telling us about why they’re moving to Sweden and finally we delve into why a proposed new surveillance law has prompted messaging services WhatsApp and Signal to consider leaving Sweden. 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: Immigration 'We didn't do anything wrong': Foreign workers blindsided by Sweden's 'spårbyte' repeal Swedish Migration Agency warns of fast-tracked abolition of 'spårbyte' without transitional rules Sweden to abolish residency permit 'track changes' from April 1st Northvolt What will happen to work permit holders at Northvolt? KEY FACTS: What we know so far about the Northvolt bankruptcy Politics & Culture What books and art can we expect to be in Sweden's future cultural canon? Is the ‘arm’s length’ principle for the arts in Sweden at risk of amputation? 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.
Mar 15, 2025 · 30 min
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 latest on the defence situation for Sweden in relation to Russia and the United States, and why some commentators think Sweden’s needs its own nuclear deterrent. For Membership+ subscribers we look at what readers are telling us about what it’s like becoming a Swedish citizen, and finally we shine a light on the work being carried out by a taskforce on talent attraction and why the government must do more to include the kind of people it’s hoping to appeal to. 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: Northvolt KEY FACTS: What we know so far about the Northvolt bankruptcy Sweden's troubled Northvolt files for bankruptcy 'Too early to say' if Sweden will give foreign Northvolt staff special help Ukraine 'We are shocked': Americans in Sweden rally in support of Ukraine Politics Sweden's former national security adviser charged in classified documents scandal The Local Why The Local launched Membership+ (and why you should join if you can) 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.
Mar 8, 2025 · 20 min
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 like, and does the country have enough troops to send peacekeepers to Ukraine? We also have commentary from Swedish members of the European Parliament about the harsh rhetoric on immigration we’ve seen in Sweden in recent years. For Membership+ subscribers we look at proposals for a new grading system for Swedish schools to replace a method that critics say is no longer fit for purpose, and finally we dig into reactions to the Migration Agency’s revamped website. 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: Military How Sweden's defence industry is ramping up production Swedish PM 'willing to send peacekeepers to Ukraine' Swedish police open 'sabotage' probe over Gotland water supply damage Immigration Swedish migration minister in multiculturalism row with Sweden Democrat leader Is the government changing its rhetoric on immigration? 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.
Mar 1, 2025 · 29 min
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 and what it means for the future of a party that's currently siding with the left but has previously allied itself with the right. And why has a supreme court ruling on European data protection drawn howls of protest from Swedish publishers? Host Richard Orange is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and James Savage. Sweden Explained 'Sweden has changed fundamentally but the level of trust is the same' Which companies do Swedes trust the most? Politics Swedish Centre Party leader Muharrem Demirok to step down Could a new Centre Party leader determine Sweden's next PM? 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.