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 podcastsSign 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 on The Local 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 inInside 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 returnStrange 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 industryANALYSIS: How Sweden conquered the gaming worldARCHIVE: Is Sweden's gaming industry running out of workers?Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 percentGet Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 __Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign 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.

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 podcastsSign 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.

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 strikeNurses in Sweden launch first strike in 16 yearsEuropean electionsSix 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 podcastsSign 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.

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:IranSwedish security chiefs: Iran recruits gangs to hit Israeli targets in SwedenSweden calls Iranian diplomat to meeting over gang crime allegations European electionsWho 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.

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 Swedish healthcare strike: What nurses and midwives' overtime protest means for youTroll factorySwedish PM won't end Sweden Democrats collaboration over 'troll factory' Inside Sweden: Why troll factory won't spark a government crisis DiscriminationOPINION: ‘No such thing as race’: why Sweden’s colour-blind approach is failing PODCAST: Why doesn't Sweden gather data on race and ethnicity – and should it? Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign 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.

In this week's Sweden in Focus Extra: Green Party joint leader Daniel Helldén on criticism of government climate policy, the EU elections, immigration and online attacks from far-right troll accounts. After a turbulent period for the party, the Greens recently put in place a new leadership duo: Daniel Helldén, previously vice mayor of Stockholm, and Amanda Lind, the former culture minister.We chat this week with Daniel Helldén to find out about the party’s direction ahead of the upcoming EU election and beyond. We also ask where the party stands on new income requirements for work permit holders and what Helldén thinks of revelations about anonymous social media troll accounts run by the Sweden Democrats.THE KEY PLAYERS: Who's who in Swedish politics?Who are Sweden's top candidates in the European election? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: Fallout from Sweden Democrat troll factory scandal, how Stockholm has prepared for Taylor Swift, excerpts from interview with Green Party leader Daniel Helldén.Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Nordic correspondent, Richard Orange. The episode also features interviews with Dagens Nyheter's reporter Evelyn Jones, Stockholm Business Region's communications director Monica Engqvist and Green Party co-leader Daniel Helldén. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Sweden Democrats Sweden Democrats spread white power propagandaHow the Sweden Democrats' 'troll factory' tries to shape the immigration debate Uncovering a Sweden Democrat troll factory: 'I had to get inside to get the truth'Taylor Swift Do Taylor Swift's ancestors really come from a small parish in rural Sweden?  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: Security fears and parties in Malmö for Eurovision, how lower interest rates affect people in Sweden, and Sweden Democrats get caught running a social media troll factory. --Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign 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. --Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:EurovisionSweden's Eurovision brings kitsch in the shadow of Gaza How Eurovision visitors can make the most of MalmöMoneyThree ways Sweden's slashed interest rate will boost your finances Which Swedish banks have the lowest mortgage rates?PoliticsREVEALED: Sweden Democrats' secret social media 'troll factory' PropertyFor sale: New record as flood of apartments hits the market in Sweden How do you beat the stress of the Swedish property bidding frenzy?Sabotage allegationsSwedish rail derailments could be linked to 'Russian-backed sabotage'  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: Ascension Day holiday, Nazis storm political meeting in Stockholm, preview of interview with gardening expert John Taylor, and who is the Green Party's new joint leader? --Sign up now for Membership+ 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. --Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Emma Lögren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Ascension DayWhy is Ascension Day a public holiday in Sweden?Political violence EXPLAINED: What we know about the attack on a Swedish anti-fascist meeting Over a thousand people join protest against Stockholm attackPoliticsDreadlocked bureaucrat: Who's the Swedish Green Party's new leader?  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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. ___What are the main challenges for Swedish employers when recruiting internationally and how can they harness the experience of the many skilled internationals already living in Sweden?In this special live recording of the podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined on stage by Maria Fogelström Kylberg, CEO of Stockholms Akademiska Forum, Amanda Herzog, founder of Intertalents in Sweden, and Laureline Vallée, an environmental engineer from France who recently secured her first job in Sweden.The podcast was part of Talent Talks, an afternoon of discussions at the Stockholm Business Region offices on how to attract and retain foreign workers in Sweden.  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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. ___This week: how Sweden voted on new gender law, horrific murder in Stockholm suburb, former Moderate Party leader faces nepotism allegations over jobs for friends.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:PoliticsSweden votes 'yes' to lowering age for legal gender changeHow Sweden's legal gender bill has split the government ARCHIVE: Where did it all go wrong for ousted party leader Anna Kinberg Batra?CrimeStockholm shooting victim 'completely innocent' say distraught family  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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. ___This week: Child residency permit row, Sweden regressing on rule of law, and 50 years since Abba's Waterloo win. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's James Savage and Richard Orange. As mentioned in the episode we will be recording the podcast in front of a live audience on April 24th at the offices of Stockholm Business Region as part of the Talent Talks event being held there that day.You can sign up here if you'd like to attend. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Residency permitsBoy who went viral raising 5 million for charity gets Swedish residence permitMusicHow ABBA paved the way for Swedish pop 50 years agoPoliticsARCHIVE: 'Civil rights groups in Sweden can fight this government's repressive proposals' Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: Snow chaos on Sweden's roads, April Fools' traditions, government divided on new gender law, and will there be a Swedish pope?Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's James Savage and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Weather'Are they on Easter holiday?': Swedish government under fire after snow chaosSnow chaos on Swedish E4 road 'worst since 1995'April Fools' DayApril Fools' is back: here are nine of this year's best jokes in SwedenReligion Swedish bishop named as possible next popeGender Law EXPLAINED: How Sweden’s legal gender bill has split the government  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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__In this week's episode: Easter opening hours, news quiz, World Happiness Report. 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:EasterWitches and herring: Seven traditions that reveal it's Easter in SwedenSeven must-have dishes for a very Swedish Easter celebrationQuality of lifeHow happy are people in Sweden compared to the rest of the world? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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__In this week's episode: Waffle Day, foiled plot to attack Sweden's parliament, Busch and Åkesson trade insults. 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:Waffle Day How March 25th became Sweden’s national Waffle Day, thanks to mispronunciationRecipe: How to make traditional Swedish waffles on Waffle DayTerror plotTwo men held in Germany over Swedish parliament terror plotPoliticsARCHIVE: Sweden Democrats admit Nazi roots in new ‘white book’ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: New migration stats and a uniquely Swedish kids' magazine. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, and we also chat to the editor of KP, Lukas Björkman, about the children's magazine's enduringly popularity in a digital age and how to stay relevant by listening to children and ignoring parents. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:MigrationForeigners in Sweden: How the migration paradigm shift affects our livesWhat's the current status of Sweden's planned migration laws?  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do many foreigners find dating in Sweden so tough, and what's the approach to take? Hear matchmaker Lemarc Thomas give his views on how to crack the Swedish dating scene. In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is briefly joined by panelists James Savage and Becky Waterton, before we listen to an interview with professional matchmaker Lemarc Thomas.  The Stockholm-based connector tells us what makes dating in Sweden so different from anything he's experienced before. He also answers questions from readers of The Local on how to proceed in a landscape where many of the usual rules no longer apply.  If you'd like to read more about dating in Sweden, make sure to check out these articles:Dating in Sweden: sex, booze and mobile phonesDating in Sweden: Is it really as tough as they say?Dating in Sweden: When is a fika a fika… and when is it a date? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus we discuss: Halloween in Sweden, Nato, cable damage in the Baltic Sea, popular Swedish TV shows, and we answer readers' questions on Sweden's new salary requirement for work permit holders. Host Paul O’Mahony in Stockholm is joined from Malmö by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Becky Waterton.__Sign up for Stockholm Explorative Talks. Presented by Stockholm Academic Forum__Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week:HalloweenOpinion: What can Sweden learn from embracing the American Halloween tradition?All SaintsSwedish word of the day: allhelgonadagenNato & Baltic security Turkish president sends Sweden’s Nato application to parliamentSwedish government: ‘External force’ damaged cable between Sweden and EstoniaSwedish TV series Are Swedes funny? Explaining the many types of Swedish jokes– includes regular panelist Richard Orange‘s opinion on På spåret.Swedish reality TV show brings Swedish-Americans back ‘home’Work permits‘We’re losing the life we built in Sweden’: Work permit holders dread uncertain futureWho will fill Sweden’s labour gap when immigrants leave?Reader question: Can I meet Sweden’s new work permit threshold by working multiple jobs?

In this bonus episode of Sweden in Focus, we speak to the Social Democratic former education minister Anna Ekström about Nordic 'folk high schools', budget cuts to study associations, worsening segregation in Sweden's schools, why boys are underperforming, and whether Sweden needs more external grading.In Saturday’s episode, the former government minister talked about ‘folkbildning’ as a particularly Nordic approach to education. Here we continue the conversation as Anna Ekström talks about her roles within the ABF study association, the history of the wider folkbildning movement, and the challenges faced today by the Swedish education system. Host Paul O’Mahony is also joined by The Local’s James Savage and Becky Waterton.Here are links to some related stories, starting with Richard Orange‘s recent article on his own experience with the ABF study association:Why Sweden should protect its fantastic popular education organisationsBudget cuts to folkbildningSweden still ‘a land of possibilities’ for foreigners says finance ministerSchool segregation LISTEN: How can Sweden make its schools less segregated?ARCHIVE: What’s behind the rising inequality in Sweden’s schools, and can it be fixed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: Is Sweden underfunding schools and healthcare?; motorway mudslide; Turkey gives fresh impetus to Sweden's Nato bid; why northern Sweden needs foreign workers, and Prime Minister wants military help to crack down on gangs.This week host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage and Richard Orange, and we also hear from the Skellefteå-based journalist Paul Connolly.SURVEY: Would you listen to more podcasts from The Local?Here are links to some of the stories we discuss this week:Politics in SwedenWhy Sweden’s finance minister is willing to be unpopularLandslideIN NUMBERS: Sweden’s lucky escape as landslide causes huge motorway sinkholeSwedish motorway landslide: What happens next?Nato latest‘Not urgent’ for Sweden to join Nato, says Hungary’s Viktor OrbánTurkey agrees to approve Sweden’s Nato application in return for fighter jetsJobs in northern SwedenMeet the foreigners moving to northern Sweden to turn industry greenFive things I love about northern SwedenGang violenceSwedish prime minister seeks military help to crack down on gangsWho’s who in Sweden’s gang conflict?How could Sweden put an end to its deadly wave of gang crime? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.