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 12, 2024 · 28 min
Are Jimmie Åkesson’s gang leader links damaging for the Sweden Democrats?
In this week's episode: Rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, journalists slammed for prostitution tips, and how damaging are the Sweden Democrats' biker gang links? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and James Savage, as well as guest Jonathan Leman from anti-racism foundation Expo. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Discrimination New report reveals sharp rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes in Sweden Politics Why was there a gang leader at Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Åkesson's wedding? 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.
Oct 5, 2024 · 32 min
Why Sweden's begging ban debate feels a decade out of date
In this week's episode: Stockholm governor fired over recruitment nepotism, how cinnamon became Swedes' spice of choice, and why a begging ban feels like a throwback. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. The episode also features an interview with food historian Daniel Serra. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Anna Kinberg Batra How a Swedish nepotism scandal highlights poor recruitment practices Food When did Swedes get so crazy about cinnamon? What does the Swedish food agency think we should be eating more or less of? Politics in Sweden Sweden's government enters trickier territory with begging ban 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.
Sep 28, 2024 · 25 min
Why Sweden risks blowback from 3-month limit for jobseekers
In this week's episode: how Northvolt's crisis is hitting foreign workers and how recruiters can get better at gauging Swedish language skills. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and James Savage. The episode also features interviews with Helene Robson from Engineers of Sweden and Pernilla Johansson from the Language Council of Sweden. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Northvolt Northvolt to slash almost a quarter of its workforce OPINION: Sweden needs to reconsider 'three-month deadline' for laid-off non-EU workers Five things you need to do right away if you're getting laid off in Sweden Language Is it ok to speak English? How to shine at your Swedish job interview 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.
Sep 21, 2024 · 24 min
What are Sweden's budget priorities for immigrants?
In this week's episode: how the new budget affects foreigners, favourite Swedish expressions, and a Social Democrat lottery scandal. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Money How will Sweden's new budget affect foreign residents? Language Seven Swedish expressions which will make you sound like a local Swedish word of the day: tjafs Politics Why a lottery scandal could change the funding balance in Swedish politics 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.
Sep 14, 2024 · 20 min
What words from other Nordic languages do all Swedes know?
In this week's episode: Nordic cross-border lingo, who's who in Sweden's cabinet reshuffle, drone alerts at Arlanda Airport, what next for Northvolt after cuts? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Language OPINION: Swedes, it's time to embrace language barriers, not avoid them Politics Swedish PM announces new foreign, migration and EU ministers in reshuffle Who is Johan Forssell, Sweden's new migration minister? Travel news What do we know about the suspected drone sightings at Sweden's Arlanda Airport? Business Northvolt warns of layoffs in bid to cut costs 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.
Sep 7, 2024 · 26 min
Can Sweden's new screen guidelines stop the endless scrolling?
In this week's episode: foreign minister steps down, new screen use recommendations, why the government is scrapping flight tax, and Sweden's biggest ever toxic waste scandal. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Politics Swedish foreign minister Tobias Billström to step down and leave politics Swedish government to scrap flight tax from next summer Health 'The situation is dramatic': Sweden issues new advice on screen time for youngsters Environment 11 people on trial in Sweden's biggest toxic waste scandal 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 31, 2024 · 23 min
Should fathers be allowed to 'give away the bride' at Swedish weddings?
In this week's episode: Government backtracks on biofuels. How happy is the right-wing coalition at the half-way point of its tenure? Church politicians push to ban practice of fathers 'giving away the bride'. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Politics Will a U-turn on biofuels win the government back green voters? Swedish traditions Seven totally Swedish wedding traditions ARCHIVE: What are Sweden's church elections and how do they work? 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 24, 2024 · 19 min
Why Swedish 'child soldiers' do dirty work for Danish gangs
Interest rate cuts, why the government is pleased with its 'paradigm shift' on immigration, why gangs in Denmark are recruiting young Swedes for violent attacks. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Money Sweden's mortgage war heats up as banks race to cut rates Sweden's Riksbank slashes interest rate, predicts further cuts this year Immigration Politics in Sweden: Despite a bump, Sweden's shift on immigration is going smoothly For the first time, more Indians are leaving Sweden than arriving Crime Sweden and Denmark announce joint response to gang crime escalation 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 16, 2024 · 27 min
Strange noises Swedes make that you won't find in a dictionary
Sweden’s population is shrinking as emigration exceeds immigration for the first time in over 50s. Is this true and if so, should it be cause for celebration? Will higher inflation numbers affect next week's interest rate cut? Why a proposal to pay refugees to return has been summarily rejected by the government’s own inquiry. Finally, we attempt to replicate some of the strange noises Swedes use to express themselves. James Savage stands in as host this week, and is joined by The Local's Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Shrinking population For the first time in 50 years, more people are leaving Sweden than moving in Inside Sweden: Is it really a cause for celebration that immigration is shrinking? Inflation Sweden's inflation rises faster than expected Emigration grants Risky and best avoided’: Swedish inquiry rejects idea of paying migrants to return Strange noises Swedes make Twelve strange noises you can make in Swedish to sound like a local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 10, 2024 · 17 min
Why an award-winning businessman risks deportation from Sweden
Stinky fish, Swedish Olympians, and why Migration Agency says 35,000 kronor is too low a salary for a CEO. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Olympics WATCH: The moment US-born Swede Armand Duplantis cemented his place in Olympic history Swedish traditions VIDEO ARCHIVE: The Local's journalists taste fermented herring for the first time (Facebook Live) Why Swedish fermented herring is more fun than crayfish Work permits IN STATS: Number of work permits issued in Sweden halves in 2024 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 3, 2024 · 28 min
How Sweden's stricter immigration rules are hurting the games industry
In this week's Sweden in Focus we speak to the head of Sweden's main games industry organization about how higher salary requirements for work permit holders risk throttling growth. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by Per Strömbäck, the head of Dataspelsbranschen, or the Swedish Games, an organisation that represents companies in Sweden’s innovative and highly successful video game sector. The organisation was one of many to voice concerns last year when the government announced its plans to raise salary requirements for foreign work permit holders, a move the Swedish Games Industry feared would hamper growth in a sector that depends heavily on attracting workers from outside Sweden. READ ALSO: How to switch to a career in Sweden's booming gaming industry ANALYSIS: How Sweden conquered the gaming world ARCHIVE: Is Sweden's gaming industry running out of 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+ 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.
Jul 27, 2024 · 18 min
How wage requirements for foreign workers are hitting Sweden's startups
In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus we speak to the head of a Swedish organisation for startups and scaleups about the impact on growth of higher salary requirements for foreign work permit holders. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by Stina Lantz, the head of the industry association Swedish Incubators and Science Parks. She explains why her organisation has expressed concern about the impact on innovation of Sweden’s increasingly restrictive immigration policies. As head of an organisation representing companies where foreign workers are over-represented, she also gives her view on one of the biggest news stories for immigrants in Sweden in recent times: the decision by the government to increase the salary requirement for foreign work permit holders. 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.
Jul 20, 2024 · 30 min
What do foreigners value most about living in Sweden?
In this week's Sweden in Focus we speak to an immigration expert about the pros and cons of moving to Sweden for work. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by Lena Rekdal, founder of the immigration and relocation company Nimmersion. They discuss what immigrants find most appealing about Sweden, how companies and their international employees are reacting to Sweden’s increasingly strict immigration policies, the critical things to know when moving here, and how she would design the migration system if she were prime minister of Sweden. READ ALSO: What's the current status of Sweden's planned migration laws? Swedish work permits granted to top international talent drop 20 percent 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.
Jul 13, 2024 · 16 min
Family reunification to get harder in Sweden, and is now a good time to buy property?
Family reunification clampdown, Swedish town's one-krona plots go viral, and is now a good time to buy property? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's deputy editor Becky Waterton. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Immigration Swedish government announces new plans to limit family reunification permits Property Should you buy a home in Sweden this summer? Do Swedish property market experts expect house prices to rise this summer? 'The Local set this off': Small Swedish town's one krona plots go viral 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.
Jul 6, 2024 · 22 min
'How can Sweden leave behind a citizen who was sentenced to death?'
In this week's Sweden in Focus we speak to Vida Mehrannia, the wife of the Karolinska Institute researcher Ahmedreza Djalali who was sentenced to death in Iran in 2017 and was not part of a recent prisoner exchange that saw two Swedes return home. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week Vida Mehrannia. She talks about why the family moved to Sweden, what life was like for them here before her husband’s arrest. Also, after the release last month of two other Swedish prisoners in Iran, she tells us about what attempts have been made to secure Ahmedreza Djalali’s release and if more could be done. READ ALSO: 'Why not me?' Imprisoned academic Djalali delivers stinging rebuke over prisoner swap Wife of imprisoned academic 'disappointed' after meeting Swedish foreign minister LISTEN: Anger over Sweden's prisoner swap with Iran 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 29, 2024 · 23 min
Almedalen special: Why does Sweden make life so hard for foreign talent?
In this special episode of Sweden in Focus James Savage travels to the Almedalen political week on Gotland, where he asks the chief economist of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, Sven-Olov Daunfeldt, whether things might get better for work permit holders any time soon. Also in this episode: Russia is waging a hybrid war against European countries including Sweden. But what does that mean, and what does a church near Västerås Airport have to do with it? James interviews expert Patrik Oksanen, fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences and senior advisor at the Fores think tank to find out. Related articles: Sweden cuts state funding for Russian church after intelligence warnings Sweden's migration agency celebrates cutting waiting times for work permits In Detail: How Sweden plans to further toughen its work permit system Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 20, 2024 · 19 min
Anger over prisoner swap with Iran, and how strawberries fuel Sweden's gangs
Strawberries linked to organised crime, US designates Swedish neo-Nazis as terrorists, opinion divided over prisoner swap with Iran. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists James Savage and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Crime Illegal Swedish strawberry sales raise billions of kronor for organised crime Terrorism US designates Nordic far-right group as terrorists Sweden and Iran Swedish EU diplomat freed from Iran says he's 'in seventh heaven' 'Why not me?' Imprisoned academic Djalali delivers stinging rebuke over prisoner swap __ 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 15, 2024 · 25 min
Sweden's most offensive words and a bad night for the far right
Celebrate Midsummer like a Swede, EU election analysis, Sweden's most offensive words. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists James Savage and Becky Waterton. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Midsummer The Local's ultimate guide to Midsummer's Eve 2024 European Elections Who are the winners and losers of Sweden's EU election? Five things we learned from Sweden's surprising EU election results Sweden Democrat MP steps down over racist chant OPINION: Sweden Democrats have only themselves to blame for election setback Language New study reveals most offensive words in Swedish 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 8, 2024 · 13 min
Three parties risk European elimination as Sweden goes to the polls
Striking nurses, European election preview, Sweden Democrats' anti-Arab trolling, how can Sweden get more inclusive? 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: Healthcare strike Nurses in Sweden launch first strike in 16 years European elections Six ways the EU election might upend Sweden's political landscape Discrimination Tell us: What can Sweden do to make the country more inclusive? __ 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 1, 2024 · 20 min
Is Iran using Swedish gangs in its proxy war with Israel?
Iran accused of deploying Swedish gangs, Ebba Busch sparks anger over Islam remarks, how Sweden can make immigrants feel more welcome on National Day? 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: Iran Swedish security chiefs: Iran recruits gangs to hit Israeli targets in Sweden Sweden calls Iranian diplomat to meeting over gang crime allegations European elections Who are Sweden's top candidates in the European election? National Day (and a nod to Midsummer) Why does Sweden celebrate National Day on June 6th? The seven bizarre traditions that make up Swedish Midsummer Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.