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Explore every episode of the podcast Sweden in Focus

Dive into the complete episode list for Sweden in Focus. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Can Sweden's new screen guidelines stop the endless scrolling?07 Sep 202400:26:21

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:

PoliticsHealthEnvironmentGet Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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Should fathers be allowed to 'give away the bride' at Swedish weddings?31 Aug 202400:23:20

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:

PoliticsSwedish traditions Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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Almedalen special: Why does Sweden make life so hard for foreign talent?29 Jun 202400:23:34

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:


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Why does Sweden want to revoke permanent residency?26 Nov 202200:34:32

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In the latest episode of Sweden in Focus we chat about the heavy snow that has fallen this week and how Sweden has coped. 


 We look at how Advent is celebrated in Sweden.



We discuss the second spectacular spy story in the space of two weeks. 



We talk about the resurgence of tensions between the Sweden Democrats and the Liberals. 


We examine what we know about Sweden’s plans to get rid of permanent residency permits, and we hear from Ann-Cathrine Jungar, assistant professor at Södertörn University and an expert on radical right parties in the Nordics, on why the government wants to abolish them. 



And finally we’ll end with a short quiz to gauge our panelists’ Swedishness this week.

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Why doesn't Sweden gather data on race and ethnicity – and should it?19 Nov 202200:41:59

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by regular panelists Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage, as well as guest Sayaka Osanami Törngren, Associate Professor in International Migration and Ethnic Relations at Malmö University.


This week we start with a chat about the World Cup in Qatar which kicks off this weekend.



We discuss a major spy scandal involving two brothers.



We look at an incredibly detailed newspaper article in Svenska Dagbladet that shines a light on what was happening behind the scenes when Ulf Kristersson was trying to put together his government.


We examine why Sweden doesn’t gather data on race and ethnicity like many other countries and discuss whether it should change its approach. This is the article by David Crouch that we mention: 



Finally, was last week’s quiz success a flash in the pan? We put our panelists through their paces again with three more questions about Swedish culture and society.

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Budget anger, Turkey deadlock, and can you pass The Local's Swedish citizenship test?12 Nov 202200:40:02

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by regular panelists Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage. The episode also features an interview with Paul Levin, Director of Stockholm University’s Institute for Turkish Studies. 


Sweden's speech culture. 


The new government’s first budget and how people in Sweden have reacted to it.


Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s trip to Turkey.


Gotland terror trial.


We end with a quiz to find out if our panelists have what it takes to pass a mock citizenship test. Here's a similar test we ran on the site recently.

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Climate criticism, struggling Ukrainians, and work permit limits under fire05 Nov 202200:31:55

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by regular panelists Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage. The episode also features interviews with Jörgen Hedman, an author and researcher who has written extensively about the history of a Swedish village in Ukraine, and Kimberly Nicholas, a climate scientist at Lund University. 


This week's topics:



Work permits


Energy & Climate


Ukraine


Update:



All Saints Day 

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Racism in Sweden, and how welcome do foreigners feel after the election?29 Oct 202200:43:35

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by regular panelists Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage, as well as US tech worker Kat Zhou, who found herself in the eye of a storm after posting about her experiences of racism in Sweden on Twitter. We also hear from Kash Haresamudram, a doctoral researcher in Lund who was one of more than 500 respondents to our survey on xenophobia in Sweden. 


You can read more about these stories on the links below.



We also take a closer look at some of the stories making the news in Sweden this week: 



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Does Sweden's new coalition deal threaten basic rights?22 Oct 202200:37:02

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by regular panelists Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage. We also have expert commentary from labour policy expert Tove Hovemyr and human rights expert John Stauffer, legal director at Human Rights Watch. 


In this week's episode we dig into the makeup of the new government which was officially unveiled on Tuesday. We discuss who the new ministers are and the main talking points in the first week of Ulf Kristersson’s reign as prime minister.



We also take a closer look at the government’s plans for work permits with the help of policy expert Tove Hovemyr.


And and we speak to human rights law expert John Stauffer to examine whether the new coalition’s contract constitutes a threat to fundamental rights.



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How will the new government affect foreigners' lives in Sweden?15 Oct 202200:36:12

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by regular panelists Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage. 


After weeks of deliberation the Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson told the parliamentary speaker on Friday he was finally ready to form a new government. Assuming he survives a vote in the Riksdag on Monday, Kristersson is expected to become prime minster next week and will start work assembling a government. We discuss what we know so far about the make-up of the next government and how it plans to govern Sweden.  


READ ALSO:



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Why foreigners are furious about 'humiliating' work permit delays08 Oct 202200:31:47

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage, as well as three people affected by the migration agency's work permit renewal delays


Tune in for to hear all about: how you can lose your driving licence in Sweden; a worthy Swedish Nobel prizewinner; the right-wing bloc's intention to ditch plans for a high-speed rail network; a round-up of a security situation described by the foreign minister as the worst since the 1980s; and, finally, for our main topic this week we discuss a petition signed by thousands of foreigner workers hit by major migration agency delays that effectively prevent them from leaving Sweden.

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Baltic gas blasts, key Swedish words, and how to keep living costs low01 Oct 202200:30:02

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by Handelsbanken chief economist Johan Löf, as well as The Local's Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage


On our radar this week we have: Cinnamon Bun Day, a sweet staple of the Swedish dietary calendar; a roundup of the week's post-election wrangling; discussion of the Baltic Sea blasts that caused serious damage to the Nord Stream gas pipelines running from Russia to Germany; major delays in the processing of Swedish work permits; and, finally, how to plan your finances when the krona is weak and what the cost of living crisis mean for foreigners living in Sweden.

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Why does Sweden allow profit-making schools?24 Sep 202200:44:08

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In this week's episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by Le Monde's Scandinavia correspondent Anne-Francoise Hivert, as well as The Local's Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage


Tune in as we chat about what the rest of world makes of Sweden’s recent election result, and after weeks of non-stop election coverage we lighten the tone a bit to talk about mushroom picking. But the news never rests and we also discuss how the government talks are going (the right-wing bloc has reportedly already agreed on stricter migration policy), the impact of the Swedish central bank’s bombshell interest rate hike, and finally we’ll talk about a controversial feature of Sweden’s education system that allows schools to make a profit.


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Anger over prisoner swap with Iran, and how strawberries fuel Sweden's gangs20 Jun 202400:19:29

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:

CrimeTerrorismSweden and Iran

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What are the Sweden Democrats' plans for immigrants?17 Sep 202200:43:11

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage to analyse the election result, discuss likely government constellations, and examine how the Sweden Democrats want to limit the rights of immigrants


With so much on the agenda it's hard to narrow down a recommended reading list but our 2022 Swedish Election section will give you what you need to know. 


And for our main topic, don't miss:



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What next for Sweden as far right catches scent of real power?12 Sep 202200:31:09

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In this special election episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's Becky Waterton, Richard Orange, and James Savage, who puts in a post-meeting late appearance.


On a day when it appears that the right bloc could be tasked with forming a government (although this is not yet certain), we look at how each of the parties has performed, how significant it is that the far-right Sweden Democrats have become bigger than the conservative Moderates, and how a Moderate-led government would rule Sweden

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Why is no one talking to immigrants in this election?10 Sep 202200:48:24

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, as well as Julia Agha, the CEO of the Arabic-language Swedish news service Alkompis


Don't miss Richard and Julia's joint article on why nobody is really to talking to immigrants in this election.

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Here are links to some of the other stories we discuss (and the previous episode mentioned in the podcast where we talk about how to make your home more energy efficient): 



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Fighting crime, and how could the Sweden Democrats change Sweden?03 Sep 202200:40:57

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are some of the issues we discuss:


We discuss also different approaches to tackling crime with Justice Minister Morgan Johansson and the head of the Helamalmö social movement Nicolas Lunabba



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How to combat segregation, and is this Sweden's ugliest ever election?27 Aug 202200:39:00

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by Stockholm University sociologist Andrea Voyer, as well as regular panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. We also have a chat with Stockholm University journalism professor Christian Christensen about the toxic nature of this year's election campaign. 


Here are some of the issues we're discussing: 



We also look at what's happening in the opinion polls as the election draws ever closer. 


For our main topic this week we talk to Christian Christensen and our studio panelists about whether there has ever been an uglier election campaign in Sweden.


This is also a question we put to readers this week and you read can some of the responses here: 



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Parties target immigrant kids, and what are the Sweden Democrats' election prospects?20 Aug 202200:44:42

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. We also have an interview with the Sweden Democrats' leader, Jimmie Åkesson.


In this edition we discuss: 



For our main topic this week we examine the Sweden Democrats' prospects in the upcoming election and hear what party leader Jimmie Åkesson has to say about work permits, ministerial posts, and how his party can exert the most influence. 


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What are the Swedish election pledges that most affect foreigners?13 Aug 202200:37:47

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange.

In this edition we discuss: 



For our main topic this week we look at the election pledges that focus on foreigners, particularly in relation to work visas, residency permits and citizenship. 


You can listen to the episode HERE. Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. 


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Why Sweden is following Denmark on language tests and integration06 Aug 202200:43:02

In the first post-summer break episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local Sweden’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, as well as the editor of The Local Denmark, Michael Barrett. 


In this week’s show we’ll take a quick look at the state of play in the opinion polls to see who is likely to form the next government with the election just over a month away.


We also chat about the historical and cultural reasons for people taking so much time off work during the summer holidays.


We talk about what we know about a contentious government proposal to introduce language tests for permanent residency. 


And finally we examine a government minster’s suggestion to place a limit on how many people of non-Nordic origin are allowed to live in vulnerable areas, in a move that would mirror a controversial Danish law. 


You can listen to the episode HERE. Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. 


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PODCAST SUMMER SPECIAL: the pocket book election, and doesn't Sweden want foreign talent?08 Jul 202200:40:24

In a special episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast from the Almedalen political week on Gotland, host James Savage is joined by The Local’s Richard Orange, Patrik Kronqvist from the Expressen newspaper and Lorentz Tovatt, climate and environment spokesperson for the Green Party.


On this week's show we discuss: 


  • The pocket-book election: how will voters react to being told they’re going to get poorer?
  • The incredible disappearing climate election.
  • And doesn’t Sweden want to attract talented foreigners?


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PODCAST: Swedish holiday traditions, and why has the Centre Party plummeted in the polls?25 Jun 202200:35:02



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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and regular contributor David Crouch. 


On this week's show we discuss: 



You can listen to the episode HERE. Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. 


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Sweden's most offensive words and a bad night for the far right15 Jun 202400:25:36
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:

Midsummer2024 European ElectionsLanguageGet 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.

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What makes people move to Sweden (apart from love and money)?18 Jun 202200:39:11

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Richard and Becky are also joined in Malmö studio by special guest Carlos Velasco, a computer programmer from Honduras who explains how Sweden's shimmering statistics tempted him to move here


Also on this week's show:



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Tensions rise in Swedish politics as crucial election looms 11 Jun 202200:38:25

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, Emma Löfgren and baby Amanda. 


This week we turn our attention to a failed attempt by the right-wing opposition parties to oust the justice minister Morgan Johansson, the key role played in his survival as minister by the independent member of parliament Amineh Kakabaveh, and what it all means for the upcoming election.


We also examine the election prospects of the Christian Democrats whose leader Ebba Busch we interviewed this week.


And we discuss what you need to think about if you’re moving to a new address in Sweden.


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Sweden’s new work permit law: what are the pros and cons?04 Jun 202200:35:14

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. We also have an interview with the immigration lawyer Pia Lind to discuss the positives and negatives of Sweden's new work permit law, which came into force this week.  

In this edition we also discuss: 



For our main topic this week we look at Sweden's new work permit law and what it means for applicants. What are the most important rules to know about? Will there now be fewer talent deportations? And are there likely to be longer wait times? 


Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. 


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How Sweden’s flat hierarchies work (and attitudes to alcohol)28 May 202200:35:30

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange as well as David Crouch, author of Almost Perfect and a regular contributor to The Local. We also have an interview with Pernilla Petrelius Karlberg, a lecturer at the Stockholm School of Economics, about the Swedish management style. 


We also discuss: 



For our main topic this week we look at Sweden's flat hierarchies and collaborative management style. What is it, and does it work? 


Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. 


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End of an era: What's next for Sweden after Nato application? 21 May 202200:30:37

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. We also have an interview with Annika Bergman Rosamund, associate professor in political science and international relations at Lund University, about Sweden's history of neutrality. 


In the week that Sweden submitted its application to Nato we also discuss: 



For our main topic this week we look at how joining Nato marks the end of era for Sweden now that the country has decided to end its 200-year history of military non-alignment. 


Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. 


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Why is Sweden getting tougher on immigration?14 May 202200:30:53

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In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. We also have an interview with Tove Hovemyr, a public policy expert at the liberal Fores think thank, about attitudes to immigration over the past three decade and the direction Sweden is likely to take after this year's election. 


In this edition we also discuss: 



For our main topic this week we look at why Sweden is getting tougher on immigration. We discuss how Sweden has moved to tighten asylum immigration and is also eyeing changes to its labour migration rules that would mean fewer people can come to Sweden to work. On a brighter note, we look at how new work permit rules could spell good news for many.


We also talk about how the Centre Party's Annie Lööf is the last leader among the former centre-right coalition parties who still rejects cooperation with the Sweden Democrats and what that means for her electoral chances. 


Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. 


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What is Sweden doing to combat Russian propaganda?07 May 202200:37:27

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. We also have an interview with James Pamment from Lund University about how Sweden tackles Russian propaganda.  


In this edition we also discuss: 



For our main topic this week we look at what Sweden is doing to combat Russian disinformation in the wake of a poster campaign in Moscow this week that sparked strong reactions in Sweden. 


We discuss how how much of a challenge it is for the media to report on influence campaigns like this without amplifying the Kremlin’s message out of proportion. We also take a closer look at two of the iconic Swedes named in the campaign, children's book author Astrid Lindgren and film director Ingmar Bergman.


Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. 


And don’t forget to hit the follow button (or + sign) on Apple or tap the notification bell on Spotify to ensure you get a reminder whenever we publish a new episode.


We are also asking listeners to help us improve Sweden in Focus by taking this quick survey. Please take a couple of minutes to answers the questions if you can.

 

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How will the global energy crisis affect life in Sweden? 30 Apr 202200:35:09

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined byThe Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. We also have an interview with the Green Party co-leader Märta Stenevi


In this edition we discuss: 


For our main topic this week we look at how Sweden is affected by the ongoing global energy crisis


We examine: what energy sources Sweden currently uses and how the mix is likely to change in the longer term; what important new technologies are in the pipeline, including major projects in northern Sweden; how reliant Sweden is on Russian oil and gas imports; and what we as consumers can do to reduce our energy bills. 


You can listen to the episode HERE. Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. 


And don’t forget to hit the follow button (or + sign) on Apple or tap the notification bell on Spotify to ensure you get a reminder whenever we publish a new episode.


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Why Sweden experienced its worst riots in decades23 Apr 202200:26:27

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by Swedish journalist Bilan Osman, as well as The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. 


In this edition we discuss: 


  • Will the government manage to pass its hotly contested spring budget?
  • Sweden’s highest circulation newspaper backs Nato membership 
  • Will a new work permit law prevent talent deportations?


But our main focus this week is on the riots that took place in several Swedish cities over the Easter weekend. What caused them? Just how bad were they? Should a far-right extremist be allowed to stage Koran-burning protests? And what can be done to ensure Muslims as a group aren’t scapegoated for the actions of a small minority?  


Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. Thank you! 


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Next stop Nato, healthcare tips, and are the Liberals doomed?16 Apr 202200:28:53

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by Gunilla Herolf, a Nato expert at the Swedish Institute of International Affair, as well as The Local’s James Savage and Richard Orange. 


In this edition we look at why Nyamko Sabuni quit as leader of the Liberals and how a change in leadership is likely to affect the outcome of the Swedish election this September.


With Nato membership looking increasingly likely for Sweden, we get expert analysis from Gunilla Herolf on what this will mean for a country that has long cherished its policy of military non-alignment. 


Finally, we shine a light on Sweden’s healthcare guarantee and how you can ensure you get the medical help you’re entitled to. 

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


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Three parties risk European elimination as Sweden goes to the polls08 Jun 202400:13:48

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 strikeEuropean electionsDiscrimination __Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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65,000 bomb shelters, a Swedish teacher's tips, and Easter insults09 Apr 202200:35:55

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by Swedish teacher and book publisher Sofi Tegsveden Deveaux, as well as The Local's James Savage and Richard Orange. 


In this edition we get to grips with why Sweden has so many bomb shelters, where you can find them, and what state they're in.


We also look at the results of our poll on how easy or hard it is to learn Swedish and we get some really excellent tips from our guest Sofi on the most important things to bear in mind if you want to master the lingo. 


Last but not least, we discuss a Swedish Easter tradition so unusual that none of us had even heard of it until our intrepid reporter Becky Waterton started doing some paschal digging. 

 

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Beat the Swedish system, IndiskFika, and trouble over mines02 Apr 202200:33:10

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined Indian dancer and project manager Aradhana Varma and The Local’s Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage.


In this edition our guest Aradhana tells us about her dance group IndiskFika's television adventures as well as what it was like moving from India to Sweden and the cultural differences that took some getting used to. 


We also discuss the Swedish government's decision to press ahead with plans for an iron ore mine on Sami lands in northern Sweden and the historical background that makes the move so controversial. 


And we reveal the results of a poll in which we asked if listeners had experienced people finding creative ways to sidestep the queues in Sweden for services like healthcare, housing and education. 

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Arming Ukraine, rising Swedish prices, and ‘talent deportations’26 Mar 202200:30:56

In the latest episode of The Local's Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage. 


In this episode we hear from Ukrainian refugees in Malmö, check in on Sweden's Nato debate, and we examine Sweden's plans to send more weapons to help repel the Russian invasion. 


We also reveal the results of a listener poll on Sweden's rising cost of living and discuss how it's affecting people and what the government is doing to dampen the impact. 


And we dig into the findings of a survey suggesting that the most important issues for readers of The Local are healthcare, education, and immigration. Finally, we focus a little bit extra on the enduring problem of people being deported as a result of their employers' administrative errors. 

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


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Ukrainian refugees, Swedish for Immigrants classes, and does the typical Swede exist?19 Mar 202200:34:12

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by lecturer and author David Crouch as well as The Local’s Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage. 


In this episode we discuss how prepared Sweden is to help people fleeing the war in Ukraine. 


We also examine the results of our listener poll about Swedish for Immigrants classes, and we get tips on learning Swedish from our guests. 


Finally, we talk to David Crouch about his article this week asking if there is such a thing as a typical Swede

You can listen to the episode HERE. Let us know what you think in the comments below, or tweet us using the hashtag #SwedeninFocus.

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The Nato dilemma, what Sweden expects of us in a crisis, and how you can help Ukraine12 Mar 202200:32:58

In the first episode of the second season of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O'Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. 

 

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we discuss how Sweden is adapting to a new security situation in Europe. 

 

We reveal the results of our reader poll on whether Sweden should join Nato. And what about the EU's mutual defence clause? Is it a paper tiger or a concrete promise? And is Sweden's Cold War total defence strategy making a comeback?

 

We also ask Karina Shyrokykh of Nordic Ukraine Forum what people in Sweden can do to help Ukrainians.


Let us know what you think by emailing news@thelocal.se, or tweet us using the hashtag #SwedeninFocus.

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New migration laws, a Covid recap and life in the Gothenburg archipelago17 Jul 202100:31:45

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, The Local’s Europe Editor Catherine Edwards, The Local Sweden’s Editor Emma Löfgren and freelance journalist Isabella Anderson discuss Sweden’s new migration law and how it will affect residence permit-holders when it comes into force next week.


We also give listeners an update on the current coronavirus situation in Sweden, and reveal the results of our latest poll: Have The Local’s readers adopted the Swedish philosophy of four-week summer holidays, or do you prefer to save your holidays to get away in winter?


Dutch freelance journalist Anne Grietje Franssen also joins us from her home in the Gothenburg archipelago, to talk about Swedish friluftsliv and life on an island.


Sweden in Focus is hosted by radio journalist Tom Henley and made in collaboration with production company Banda.


Let us know what you think in the comments below, or tweet us using the hashtag #SwedeninFocus.


The Local’s Sweden in Focus podcast is sponsored by Akademikernas A-kassa.

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


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Coop cyberattack, the return of Löfven and personnummer havoc10 Jul 202100:33:31

In the latest episode of our podcast Sweden in Focus, The Local’s publisher James Savage talks about the cyberattack that knocked out hundreds of supermarkets across Sweden, and what this means for such a tech-dependent society.


Also in this week’s episode: Sweden Editor Emma Löfgren gives us an update on the government crisis and its impact on the future of Swedish politics, Europe Editor Catherine Edwards talks about the bureaucratic hurdles many foreigners in Sweden face when it comes to getting access to the Covid-19 vaccine pass, and we reveal the results of a reader poll: Is it hard to make friends with Swedes?


The Local’s Sweden in Focus podcast is sponsored by Akademikernas A-kassa.


Help support independent journalism by becoming a member of The Local today. Start your membership here.


Sweden in Focus is hosted by radio journalist Tom Henley and made in collaboration with production company Banda.

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


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Political misrepresentation abroad, language tests and Swedish stereotypes03 Jul 202100:32:19

In this week’s episode of Sweden in Focus, journalism professor and this week’s opinion columnist Christian Christensen explains why it’s a problem that international media focus so overwhelmingly on the far-right when they cover Swedish politics.


Europe Editor Catherine Edwards talks about the pros and cons of introducing language requirements for permanent residence, and journalist Richard Orange joins us from his under-construction summer cabin to talk about the process of building a house in rural Sweden.


Also in today’s episode: Journalist Isabella Andersson reveals some of the most common stereotypes about Swedes, and whether they’re correct.


The Local’s Sweden in Focus podcast is sponsored by Akademikernas A-kassa.


Help support independent journalism by becoming a member of The Local today. Start your membership here.


Sweden in Focus is hosted by radio journalist Tom Henley and made in collaboration with production company Banda.

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


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The Left Party and Centre Party divide, rent control and why snaps?26 Jun 202100:32:28

In this week’s episode of our new podcast Sweden in Focus, The Local’s CEO and publisher James Savage discusses the divide between the Left and Centre Party on which the current government future hinges, while Europe Editor Catherine Edwards digs into how Sweden’s rent controls work and why they sparked a political crisis.


Also in today’s episode: Journalist Richard Orange shares his own experience of Sweden’s shared parental leave and presents the results of our reader poll on the subject, and journalist Isabella Anderson enlightens us all on the history of snaps. And one member of the team gives a rendition of their favourite Swedish drinking song…


The Local’s Sweden in Focus podcast is sponsored by Akademikernas A-kassa.


Help support independent journalism by becoming a member of The Local today. Start your membership here.


Sweden in Focus is hosted by radio journalist Tom Henley and made in collaboration with production company Banda.

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


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Political crisis, reopening plans and a much argued over Swedish habit19 Jun 202100:31:24

In this week’s episode of our new podcast Sweden in Focus, The Local’s CEO and publisher James Savage and The Local Sweden’s editor Emma Löfgren discuss and explain the political crisis that could bring Sweden’s government down on Monday and spark a snap election.


Also in today’s episode: The Local’s Europe Editor Catherine Edwards presents the results of our reader survey on Sweden’s Covid-19 reopening plan, and we ask freelance journalist Richard Orange to defend one of the most controversial articles he’s ever written for The Local (do Swedes really eat their food cold?).


The Local’s Sweden in Focus podcast is sponsored by Akademikernas A-kassa.


Help support independent journalism by becoming a member of The Local today. Start your membership here.


Sweden in Focus is hosted by radio journalist Tom Henley and made in collaboration with production company Banda.

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


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

Is Iran using Swedish gangs in its proxy war with Israel?01 Jun 202400:20:06

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:

IranEuropean electionsNational Day (and a nod to Midsummer)


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Shrinking liberals, travel travails and the politics of timber - Sweden in Focus12 Jun 202100:36:48

This week we talk about the fall of the liberal party, analyze the complicated politics of Sweden's forests, explain the current state of Covid travel restrictions, and unearth the origins of a famous football chant in Gothenburg.


Sweden in Focus is hosted by radio journalist Tom Henley, and he’s joined today by The Local’s CEO and publisher James Savage, The Local Sweden’s editor Emma Löfgren, our Europe Editor Catherine Edwards and journalist Chiara Milford.


The Local’s Sweden in Focus podcast is sponsored by Akademikernas A-kassa.


Help support independent journalism by becoming a member of The Local today. Start your membership here.

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


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Introducing - Sweden in Focus09 Jun 202100:00:45

Welcome to Sweden in Focus. A weekly, behind-the-scenes look at the biggest news stories in Sweden with the journalists who know them best.


Every Saturday with The Local Sweden.


Launching June 12th.

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


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How can Sweden get more immigrants in leadership roles?25 May 202400:23:43

This week in Sweden in Focus: Nurses plan to strike, Sweden Democrats vow to keep on trolling, and how can Sweden combat discrimination?

Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local Sweden's editor Emma Löfgren and our Nordic correspondent Richard Orange. The episode also features interviews with Greg Fernando, the founder of New to Sweden, an organisation promoting greater workplace diversity, and Paulina Brandberg, Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life. 

Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:

Nurses strike Troll factoryDiscriminationGet 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+

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. 

 

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