Sweden in Focus

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. This week we’re talking about why the Swedish state may soon find itself in court over its alleged climate inaction. Swedish court to hear young people’s climate lawsuit against the stateAfter our chat with crime reporter Diamant Salihu a few weeks ago we go deeper on Swedish gangster rap and look at how close some of its most successful practitioners are to the gang violence they depict. ‘Supply and demand, motherfxxker!’: The real violence behind Sweden’s gangster rapINTERVIEW: ‘Everybody in Sweden who buys cocaine should know the money is used to buy bullets’We’ll give you some background on Chris O’Neill, the British-American husband of Princess Madeleine as the couple prepare to move back to Sweden. The difficulties of moving to Sweden as a non-EU spouse… even if you marry a Swedish princessARCHIVE: A look at Swedish royal fiancé Chris O’NeillWe have an interview with the United States’ ambassador to Sweden, Erik Ramanathan, about his impressions of Sweden and the strength of the countries’ bilateral relationship. And, finally, we’ll see what the forecast is like for the Swedish property market, and why foreigners are busy snapping up summer homes. ‘New era’: Swedish bank warns interest rate could hit five percentForeign buyers snap up cheaper Swedish holiday homesSeven gorgeous Swedish holiday homes for less than a million kronorHow to get the best rate on your mortgage in Sweden__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. In this week’s episode we discuss how the fallout from the recent banking sector turmoil might affect savers in Sweden. How safe is your money in a Swedish bank account?What’s going on with Nato? Are Hungary and Turkey are going to let Finland and Sweden in?‘Increased chance that Finland joins NATO before Sweden’: PMIs it time to dispense with ‘de’ and ‘dem’ in written Swedish and instead embrace ‘dom’? DE/DEM: Is Sweden about to carry out its biggest language reform in 50 years?In a week when the Christian Democrats’ party secretary was fired after another senior figure in the party filed a police report against him, we look at how the scandal has played out so far and how the party has handled it. Swedish MEP comes forward as accuser in Christian Democrat ‘me-too’ caseLIST: Sweden’s biggest seven ‘me-too’ casesIn the latest instalment of our ambassador series, we have an interview with Canada’s ambassador to Sweden, Jason LaTorre.We also look at who’s who in the the Skarsgård acting dynasty before rounding off with tips for some of our own favourite Swedish films. SKARS-GUIDE: Who’s who in Sweden’s Skarsgård acting dynasty?__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast, we hear more from our guest Jonathan Leman, a researcher with the Expo Foundation, which monitors and exposes far-right extremism in Sweden. Host Paul O’Mahony is also joined by panelists James Savage, Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren.In this episode we continue our chat about the far-right Sweden Democrats' interactions with the more extreme fringe of the nationalist movement. We discuss the Sweden Democrats' increasing climate scepticism and their intervention to block LGBTQ cultural events. We also talk about the party's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and whether their renewed ties to the far-right alternative media ecosystem represents a security threat. EXPLAINED: Why the Sweden Democrats are still a far-right party‘It’s incredible: We have effectively got through the Sweden Democrat migration policy’__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by guest Jonathan Leman from the Expo Foundation, as well as panelists Becky Waterton, Emma Löfgren and James Savage. In this week’s episode we discuss why two lay judges (nämndemän) resigned after a highly controversial court ruling that hinged on an interpretation of the word snippa.How Sweden's lay judge system worksWith tax declaration season soon upon us we’ll provide some handy tips to get you through it.KEY DATES: The deadlines you need to know for Swedish tax seasonNine key things you need to know about your Swedish tax returnYour Swedish tax return: 11 ways to get money backWe’ll also talk about how food prices in Sweden just keep on rising to new record levels and how you can save money.‘They’re making us so poor’: Swedish food prices hit record highSeven ways to save money on food and drink in SwedenIn the latest instalment of our ambassador series, we have an interview with Taiwan’s representative to Sweden, Klement Gu.Finally, for our main topic today we chat to Jonathan Leman about how and why the far-right Sweden Democrats have become more radical since being welcomed in from the cold by the parties now in government. What a new report tells us about far-right extremism in Sweden‘The Sweden Democrats no longer need to worry about how they appear’__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Richard Orange, Emma Löfgren and James Savage. This week we have a brief chat about the Northern Lights, which were visible all over Sweden last weekend.SWEDEN IN PICTURES: Your best Northern Lights snapsWe then talk about Turkey resuming Nato talks with Sweden and whether Hungary might put a spanner in the works.Finland to join Nato without Sweden if Turkey gives go aheadHungary’s president Orbán says MPs ‘unenthusiastic’ about Sweden Nato bidWe discuss the fallout from the tragic story of the Stockholm chief of police, who was found dead in his home last week.Police chief Mats Löfving found deadWe look into why Sweden is still importing gas from Russia more than a year after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the latest of our series of interviews with ambassadors, we get the lowdown on Australian-Swedish relations from Australia’s Ambassador Bernard Philip. Etiquette expert Sofia Larsson explains how she answers readers who complain that there’s too much English spoken in Sweden, and our panelists discuss how important they think it is to learn Swedish. Sweden in Focus episode (April 9th 2022) featuring a Swedish teacher’s tips__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second part of the interview, host Paul O’Mahony asks Ukraine's ambassador to Sweden, Andrii Plakhotniuk, about how the war has changed the focus of his job as ambassador, what Sweden is doing to facilitate Ukraine’s EU accession talks, how the invasion has affected Ukraine’s Swedish-speaking village Gammalsvenskby, and how Swedish humanitarian aid can help rebuild Ukraine. DON'T MISS:The Ambassadors: Swedish-Ukrainian relations 'getting stronger every day'How has war changed life for Ukraine’s Swedish-speaking village?EXPLAINED: These are the weapons Sweden is sending to UkraineSURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Becky Waterton and Loukas Christodoulou. This week we talk about why children get a week off school at this time of the year.Swedish word of the day: sportlovWe look at why Turkey has softened its stance on Sweden’s Nato application.‘A welcome message’: Turkey open for new Nato talks with SwedenAfter a government press conference last week, we examine what progress Sweden is making on work permit reform.NEW: Sweden to hike work permit salary threshold in two stagesEXPLAINED: How has Sweden adjusted its plans for work permit reform?EXPLAINED: Sweden’s planned changes to residence permit applicationsWith defence high on the national agenda we’ll ask Loukas to tell us about the volunteers who bolster Sweden’s armed forces.EXPLAINED: What is Sweden’s Home Guard and who can join?Finally, to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we have an interview with the Ukrainian ambassador about how the past twelve months have reshaped Swedish-Ukrainian relations. EXPLAINED: What problems are Ukrainian refugees facing in Sweden?Could Sweden’s ‘unique’ Gripen fighters help Ukraine?__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, we hear more from our guest Peter Gerlach, an economist with the Swedish Trade Union Confederation, LO. Host Paul O’Mahony is also joined by panelists James Savage, Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren.In this episode we continue our chat about the state of Sweden's economy after an EU Commission reporter put the country at the bottom of the class. We discuss Sweden's upcoming round of wage negotiations, predictions that Sweden is facing a mild recession and what that will entail, how to tackle high energy prices and rising interest rates, Sweden’s low taxes on capital, whether the government should pause the mortgage payment requirement, what the government can do to stimulate the economy, and how international workers fit into the Swedish model.DON'T MISS:'Sweden's economy can't take much more'ANALYSIS: For good or ill, Sweden’s Riksbank seems set on beating inflation‘I’m holding out for some relief’: High interest rates hit foreigners in Sweden__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists James Savage, Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren. Our guest this week is Peter Gerlach, an economist with the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO).We kick off with a chat about the Migration Agency and why the government has decided it wants to replace Mikael Ribbenvik, who has headed the agency for the last seven years. Head of Sweden's criticised Migration Agency forced out after seven yearsThen we delve into a story that has had observers scratching their heads for the past couple of weeks. What exactly is going on in Botkyrka? Emma wrote a bit about it in her latest Politics in Sweden column. Brexit deportations, gloomy economy, and what's going on in Botkyrka?We also look closer at a couple of stories that seem frivolous at first glance but in fact deal with serious societal problems.Swedish city launches 'love week' to battle plummeting birth rateDildos and penis pumps: Swedish home helps elderly spice up their sex livesIn the latest in our series of interviews with ambassadors, we chat to Germany's Joachim Bertele about the deep historical ties that underpin Sweden's strong relationship with the largest economy in Europe.Finally we get analysis from Peter Gerlach on the state of the Swedish economy following an EU forecast that puts Sweden at the bottom of the class. Swedish economy to see worst downturn in EU: 2023 forecast'I'm holding out for some relief': High interest rates hit foreigners in Sweden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists James Savage, Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren. The episode also features interviews with Britain's ambassador to Sweden Judith Gough and Becky Waterton meets Sweden's migration minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.First, we talk about why Sweden is warning of an increased terror threat. Three things we know about the terror threat in SwedenThen we look at a great Swedish word that describes life in Sweden at this time of the year.Swedish word of the day: oxveckornaWe chat with the UK's ambassador to Sweden, Judith Gough, about the countries' strong ties as well as discussing statistics showing how Sweden has ordered many British people to leave Sweden post-Brexit. Make sure to check the site in the coming days for a longer writeup. Finally we'll listen to Becky's interview with the migration minster, Maria Malmer Stenergard, before turning to our panelists for analysis. Sweden 'will consider' travel visas for work permit holders: migration ministerWhat's the latest on Sweden's planned salary threshold for work permits?Swedish Migration Minister: Brexit deportations 'complete news to me' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, we hear more from special guest Diamant Salihu, a crime reporter for public broadcaster SVT and the author of the award-winning book Tills Alla Dör, or Until Everyone's Dead.Host Paul O’Mahony is also joined by panelists James Savage, Richard Orange and Becky Waterton.In this episode we continue our chat about Sweden's gang crime problem. We discuss the central role of social media and gangster rap, how gangs are recruiting young children, why a younger generation suddenly finds itself in charge, why there are so many drugs and guns in circulation, and if there's anything Sweden can do to get the situation under control?How can Sweden put a stop to fatal gang shootings? Part 1INTERVIEW: 'Everybody in Sweden who buys cocaine should know the money is used to buy bullets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists James Savage, Richard Orange and Becky Waterton, as well as special guest Diamant Salihu, a crime reporter for public broadcaster SVT and the author of the award winning Tills Alla Dör, or Until Everyone's Dead.But first we look at what's coming up in February. Visit the link below to get all the key info you need on: accessing Sweden's new energy subsidy, registering a pre-paid SIM card, the likelihood of new interest rate hikes, and dates for sportlov - the mid-term school holiday. What changes in Sweden in February 2023How to register for Sweden's energy price subsidyNext, we chat to Eurovision expert Ben Robertson about what makes Melodifestivalen so compelling and who's likely to win this year's national song contest.How do you watch the Swedish extravaganza that is Melodifestivalen?This week Annie Lööf formally handed over the reins of the Centre Party to Muharrem Demirok. What does he need to do to attract voters to the only centre-right party that refused to collaborate with the far-right Sweden Democrats? Who is the new leader of Sweden's Centre Party and why is it important?We also chat about why the prime minster's closest aide resigned over an eel-fishing scandal. Swedish PM's top aide resigns over illegal eel fishingIn the latest of our interviews with ambassadors, we catch up with Mehdi Hasan, Bangladesh's ambassador to Sweden, to find out about relations between the countries, how many Bangladeshis there are in Sweden, and his personal reflections on his time in Sweden. We'll have an article featuring more from the interview in the coming days. Finally, we ask Diamant Salihu to explain the roots of Sweden's deadly gang conflicts and why they have spread around the country. We had a really good chat with Diamant and will release a bonus episode during the week featuring more of his insights. INTERVIEW: 'Everybody in Sweden who buys cocaine should know the money is used to buy bullets' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Richard Orange and Becky Waterton, as well as special guest Andreas Cervenka, author of the award winning Girig-Sverige, or Greedy Sweden.We discuss how rising interest rates are putting pressure on homeowners, how billionaires are profiting from Sweden’s most disadvantaged areas, how an ex-politician became a billionaire from buying up local council properties, why Andreas believes the Swedish central bank’s monetary policy has been one of the main drivers of inequality, and we ask just how prepared Sweden is for the prospect of a major financial crisis. And if you'd like to read more you can check out these articles. Ten terrifying stats about Sweden from the hit book Girig-SverigeINTERVIEW: 'It's like before the Swedish financial crisis only the numbers are bigger'__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange and Becky Waterton, as well as special guest Andreas Cervenka, author of the award winning Girig-Sverige, or Greedy Sweden.On this week's episode we dissect Sweden's stalled Nato application and who's behind the Koran-burning stunt that prompted Turkey to postpone the ratification process indefinitely. How did a far-right extremist derail Sweden's Nato application?Previous podcast: Why Sweden experienced its worst riots in decadesWe discuss the Swedish housing market in a Scandinavian perspective and how it has led to the emergence of a property-related A Team and B Team in Sweden. IN CHARTS: How bad is the situation in Scandinavian housing markets?We talk about this week's layoffs at Spotify and what you can do if you lose your job in Sweden.Spotify cuts 6 percent of workforceEverything you need to know if you lose your job in SwedenWhat happens to your Swedish work permit if you lose your job?In the latest of our interviews with ambassadors, we get insights from New Zealand's Andrew Jenks on everything from the internationalization of Sweden to its position as a 'moral superpower'.Finally we enlist the help of our guest Andreas Cervenka to find out how Sweden became a billionaires' paradise over the course of just a couple of decades.Ten terrifying stats about Sweden from the hit book Girig-Sverige Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange and James Savage.On this week's episode we explore a game-changing rare earth metal find in northern Sweden. We discuss Sweden's priorities for the EU presidency with Louise Bengtsson, senior researcher at the Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies.INTERVIEW: What's on the agenda for Sweden's EU presidency?As rail operator SJ prepares to launch a sleeper train from Stockholm to Berlin, we talk about the costs and benefits. Richard's route: On-board Sweden's new sleeper service from Hamburg to MalmöIn the latest in our series of interviews with ambassadors, we interview Nur Ashikin Mohd Taib, who leaves Sweden this week after serving for four years as Malaysia's top diplomat in Stockholm.We also discuss how an activist group's hanging of an effigy of Turkey’s President Erdogan has further complicated Turkish-Swedish relations. Also:Sweden's new Centre Party leader to renounce Turkish citizenshipOPINION: Sweden's emerging debate on dual citizenship is terrifyingAnd we chat about a prime ministerial aide who has received a heft fine for illegally fishing endangered eels. Also, we briefly discuss two stories that broke right as we were recording: EXPLAINED: These are the weapons that Sweden is sending to UkraineSpy scandal: Two brothers jailed for passing secrets to Russia__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Becky Waterton, Emma Löfgren and James Savage.On this week's episode we examine the King’s 43-year grudge against a law change on the line of succession.Swedish King still annoyed over 'unfair' succession lawWe discuss why this is a good year for public holidays in Sweden.How to make the most of Sweden's public holidays in 2023With a report suggesting the Swedish economy is facing its biggest shock since the 1990s, we’ll give you some tips for how to save money.Sweden's economy facing 'most severe shock since early 1990s'Five ways to save money in SwedenWe’ll listen to an interview with Tanmaya Lal, the Indian ambassador to Sweden. We have a roundup of what migration law changes are in the offing. What's the current status of Sweden's planned migration laws?We chat about why Sweden is responsible for half of all the expulsion orders served to UK citizens in the EU post-Brexit.More than 1,000 Brits ordered to leave Sweden since BrexitAnd we round things off with a short quiz about Gothenburg.__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in FocusJOIN THE LOCAL: Podcast listener offer  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast for 2022, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by regular panelists Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage.What does 2023 hold in store for Sweden? We chat about some of the stories expected to dominate the news agenda next year. Check out our preview article to find out more: Everything that changes in Sweden in 2023 A special thank you to The Local's members! Your support is what makes the podcast possible. Happy New Year to all our listeners!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are some of the stories we discuss in this week's episode:John Oliver discover's Malmö's sexy binsSweden blocks extradition of Turkish journalistGovernment orders crackdown on work and residence permit abusesCrown Princess’s favourite chimp dies after zoo escapeJan: stormsFeb: Bishop defrockedMarch: MelodifestivalenApril: Nyamko Sabuni resignsMay: Boris Johnson to HarpsundJune: Riksbank hikes ratesJuly: Pole vault world recordAug: Right-wing extremist candidatesSep: Swedish electionOct: Nobel prizesNov: Spontaneous dance banDec: Hottest gifts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in FocusJOIN THE LOCAL: Podcast listener offer__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 Jonas Engman, ethnologist and curator at Nordiska Museet and an expert on Swedish traditions.This week our columnist David Crouch wrote an excellent article about Sweden's property market slump. We discuss how property woes and rising prices are presenting problems for Sweden's inhabitants this winter.Hold on tight: Sweden's housing bubble has burstSweden had its highest inflation in over 30 years in NovemberSeven ways to save money on food and drink in SwedenWe also talk about a new report from Sweden's parliamentary ombudsman criticising long waiting times at the migration agency. But will it make any difference?Swedish Migration Agency rebuked for ‘unacceptable’ processing timesREVEALED: The truth about waiting times at Sweden’s Migration AgencyTwice the Sweden Democrats were in the news this week over moves to block cultural events: a reading event for children hosted by two drag queens, and a traditional Lucia procession fronted by a person who identifies as non-binary. Why are the Sweden Democrats preoccupied with issues surrounding gender identity, and should we be worried when they intervene like this?Is the ‘arm’s length’ principle for the arts in Sweden at risk of amputation?We have an interview with Étienne de Gonneville, France's ambassador to Sweden, about the makeup of the French community in Sweden, how a bilateral agreement is strengthening ties between the two countries, and his own reflections on life in Sweden.  For our main topic this week we enlist the help of Jonas Engman to answer questions on everything from why Swedes watch Donald Duck every Christmas to the story behind the ubiquitous straw goats. Don't miss it: his answers are truly fascinating.All our latest articles on Christmas in Sweden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Anna Troberg, chairman of the DIK union for culture sector workers and an opponent of the government's plans for a cultural canon. We also have an interview with Pakistan's ambassador to Sweden, Zahoor Ahmed, to find out about the Pakistani community in Sweden and some cultural differences between the countries.  For our main topic this week we look at Sweden's plans to introduce a state-mandated cultural canon and what it will mean for foreigners. Here are a couple of recent articles on the canon plan if you'd like to learn more. KEY POINTS: What do we know about the plans for a future Swedish cultural canon?What books and art can we expect to be in Sweden’s future cultural canon?We also chat about the Nobel banquet and the upcoming St. Lucia celebrations.The dinner that proves Sweden is anything but lagomParenting in Sweden: How to prepare for your child’s Lucia celebrationAnd we round up some of the week's main news stories: ‘Work permit holders will not lose permanent residency’: Swedish Migration MinisterSwedish terror attacker sentenced to psychiatric careTurkey calls Sweden’s extradition of PKK militant ‘a start’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.