Afleveringen

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    In this week's episode: why Sweden's deputy PM wants to restrict immigrants’ voting rights, how to get your body and mind ready for the winter, why a Swedish ad featuring the English c-word went viral last week.

    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 Sweden's deputy PM proposes cutting non-citizens' voting rightsSweden Democrats call for ban on new citizenships until tougher rules are in placeWinterHow to prepare for a snowstorm in Sweden How a year on my allotment taught me to appreciate the Swedish seasons LanguageStockholm Metro ad blasted over 'shocking' use of English c-word 

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    In this week's episode: will immigrants become cultural canon fodder? How Swedish politicians have reacted to Donald Trump’s victory, what's happening with the Tesla strike?

    Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local Sweden editor Emma Löfren and Nordic editor Richard Orange. 

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

    CultureIs the ‘arm’s length’ principle for the arts in Sweden at risk of amputation?LISTEN: Sweden's cultural canon plan and what it means for foreignersUS election Politics in Sweden: How Trump's victory let Sweden's PM show off his gravitas Tesla strikeSwedish union boss: 'Culture clash' behind strikes against Tesla Swedish union slams Tesla for bringing in foreign strike breakers Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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  • Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?

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    In this week's episode: We chat to Americans about the US election result and how it will affect Sweden, Riksbank slashes key interest rate, reactions to the guilty verdict delivered to the far-right leader Rasmus Paludan for hate speech.

    Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local Sweden editor Emma Löfren and publisher James Savage. 

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

    US ElectionAmericans in Sweden mourn Democrat defeat at election vigils'I miss being with other Americans who feel the stakes as deeply as I do'Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson congratulates Trump on election winEconomySweden's Riksbank slashes rates with first 'double cut' in a decade IN FIGURES: How could lower interest rates affect your Swedish mortgage? CrimeSwedish court jails Danish extremist Rasmus Paludan for hate crimes Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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  • In this week's episode: How gang crime is top of the agenda for Nordic leaders, why a politician wants to make recognizing Israel a condition of citizenship, the controversial past of India’s new ambassador, and which of Swedish universities are really world class.


    Host James Savage 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:

    Nordic Council of Ministers

    Nordic countries vow joint crackdown on gangs and migration

    Israel and citizenship

    New Swedish citizens should have to recognise Israel, MEP demands

    Indian ambassador

    India's new ambassador to Sweden tainted by maid abuse scandal

    Sweden's best universities

    RANKED: The best universities in Scandinavia for 2025

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  • In this week's episode: Halloween preparations, why Sweden is seeing fewer work permit applications, how a new fiscal policy framework has divided Sweden's left-wing parties.

    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:

    Swedish traditionsHalloween vs All Saints Day: How to celebrate in SwedenThe best places to celebrate Halloween in Sweden this yearWork permitsSwedish Migration Agency: We underestimated effect of work permit salary threshold EconomyEXPLAINED: How significant is it that Sweden is changing its fiscal target? Politics in Sweden: Have the Social Democrats just lost themselves the next election? Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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  • In this week's episode: Signs you live in Sweden, Rasmus Paludan on trial over anti-Muslim slurs, how celebrating your home culture can connect you to Sweden.

    Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and James Savage, and we also hear from India Unlimited founder Sanjoo Malhotra about expressions of Indian culture in Sweden. 

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

    Swedish traditionsTell us you live in Sweden without telling us you live in SwedenDiscriminationDanish-Swedish extremist Rasmus Paludan charged with hate crimes CultureHow celebrating your home culture can make you feel more connected to Sweden  Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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  • 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:

    DiscriminationNew report reveals sharp rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes in SwedenPoliticsWhy 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.

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  • 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 BatraHow a Swedish nepotism scandal highlights poor recruitment practicesFoodWhen did Swedes get so crazy about cinnamon? What does the Swedish food agency think we should be eating more or less of? Politics in SwedenSweden's government enters trickier territory with begging ban Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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  • 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:

    NorthvoltNorthvolt to slash almost a quarter of its workforceOPINION: Sweden needs to reconsider 'three-month deadline' for laid-off non-EU workersFive things you need to do right away if you're getting laid off in SwedenLanguageIs it ok to speak English? How to shine at your Swedish job interviewGet Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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


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  • 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:

    MoneyHow will Sweden's new budget affect foreign residents?LanguageSeven Swedish expressions which will make you sound like a localSwedish word of the day: tjafsPoliticsWhy a lottery scandal could change the funding balance in Swedish politics Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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    For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+For new members: Get Membership+ 

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


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  • 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:

    LanguageOPINION: Swedes, it's time to embrace language barriers, not avoid them PoliticsSwedish PM announces new foreign, migration and EU ministers in reshuffleWho is Johan Forssell, Sweden's new migration minister? Travel newsWhat do we know about the suspected drone sightings at Sweden's Arlanda Airport? BusinessNorthvolt warns of layoffs in bid to cut costs Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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  • 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:

    PoliticsSwedish foreign minister Tobias Billström to step down and leave politicsSwedish government to scrap flight tax from next summer Health'The situation is dramatic': Sweden issues new advice on screen time for youngsters Environment11 people on trial in Sweden's biggest toxic waste scandal Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

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  • 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:

    PoliticsWill 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.

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  • 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:

    MoneySweden's mortgage war heats up as banks race to cut ratesSweden's Riksbank slashes interest rate, predicts further cuts this yearImmigrationPolitics in Sweden: Despite a bump, Sweden's shift on immigration is going smoothly For the first time, more Indians are leaving Sweden than arriving CrimeSweden 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.

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  • 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

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  • 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:

    OlympicsWATCH: The moment US-born Swede Armand Duplantis cemented his place in Olympic historySwedish 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.

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  • 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:

    ImmigrationSwedish government announces new plans to limit family reunification permitsPropertyShould 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.

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  • 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 warningsSweden's migration agency celebrates cutting waiting times for work permitsIn Detail: How Sweden plans to further toughen its work permit system

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  • 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:

    CrimeIllegal Swedish strawberry sales raise billions of kronor for organised crimeTerrorismUS designates Nordic far-right group as terrorists Sweden and IranSwedish EU diplomat freed from Iran says he's 'in seventh heaven' 'Why not me?' Imprisoned academic Djalali delivers stinging rebuke over prisoner swap 

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  • 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:

    MidsummerThe Local's ultimate guide to Midsummer's Eve2024 European ElectionsWho 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 LanguageNew 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.

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