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Sweden in Focus

Sweden in Focus

By: The Local
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About this listen

Sweden in Focus is The Local’s weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in Sweden as well as explore and explain the issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what’s coming up.

In each episode presenter Paul O’Mahony chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local Sweden’s James Savage, Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange and Becky Waterton. They are frequently joined by other expert commentators.

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

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

The Local Europe AB Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • How is Sweden reacting to US and Israeli attacks on Iran?

    How is Sweden reacting to US and Israeli attacks on Iran?
    Mar 7 2026
    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+ __ This week we talk about how Sweden’s government – and Iranians in Sweden – have been reacting to ongoing US and Israeli attacks in Iran.We also discuss increasing rumblings of discontent on the Swedish right over strict immigration policies that some feel have gone too far.For Membership+ subscribers we ask how much your personality changes when you switch to Swedish. Finally we examine if it’s possible for citizenship applicants to prove their Swedish civics knowledge before a new law comes into force in June.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:Middle East crisis Politics in Sweden: Sweden needs to get off the fence on Iran – but how?What we know so far about plans to stop forcing 'track changers' to leave SwedenImmigrationLots has happened since we recorded the podcast. Here are the latest updates: Sweden's government backs down on deportations in migration u-turnSweden's Council on Legislation criticises retroactive citizenship rulesAnd here are the interviews with Douglas Thor and Fredrik Kopsch: Moderate youth leader confident of solution for Sweden's teen deportationsDoes Sweden need an 'integration amnesty' to stop deportations?Swedish languageOPINION: Your personality changes when you speak another language, but that’s not always a bad thingSwedish citizenshipThey contribute to Swedish society: Now the government is changing the rules Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    20 mins
  • 'Sweden is setting itself up for a losing battle' on skilled immigration

    'Sweden is setting itself up for a losing battle' on skilled immigration
    Mar 4 2026

    This week’s episode features an interview about the lack of transitional rules in Sweden’s proposed new citizenship law.

    The Local’s deputy editor Becky Waterton speaks to Patrick Gallen, a spokesperson for the grassroots organisation Fair Transition.

    Why is the group so adamant that Sweden should not move the goalposts for citizenship applicants who applied long before the Swedish government decided to revamp the citizenship law,?

    And why does he believe that the lack of transition rules risks making Sweden less competitive.

    READ ALSO:

    • Can this campaign group change the Swedish government's mind on citizenship?
    • OPINION: 'Sweden's parliament should add transitional rules to the citizenship law'
    Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

    Sweden in Focus Extra is a podcast for The Local's Membership+ subscribers.

    Sign up to Membership+ 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+

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

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Why a legal watchdog slammed Sweden's citizenship plan

    Why a legal watchdog slammed Sweden's citizenship plan
    Feb 28 2026
    Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts

    Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday.

    Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+

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

    This week we talk about whether the recent Swedish media pushback against teen deportations is affecting how the government is approaching immigration in the last few months before the election.

    We also discuss heavy criticism of Sweden’s planned new citizenship law by a legal oversight body.

    For Membership+ subscribers we explain how Swedish birthday traditions work.

    Finally we ask what the government’s plan to restrict benefits for immigrants means for newcomers to the country.

    Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange.

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

    Teen deportations
    • Three years after The Local, Sweden wakes up to teen deportations
    Swedish citizenship
    • OPINION: 'Sweden's parliament should add transitional rules to the citizenship law'
    • Sweden's Council on Legislation criticises retroactive citizenship rules
    Swedish traditions
    • How to survive a children's birthday party in Sweden
    Immigration
    • What does Sweden's plan to restrict benefits for newcomers mean for work permit holders?


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

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
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