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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
  • Why Sweden's Moderates are sending mixed messages on work permit immigration

    Why Sweden's Moderates are sending mixed messages on work permit immigration
    Dec 20 2025
    In this week's episode we talk about Christmas and how to celebrate like a Swede.We also discuss why prominent Moderate Party politicians are arguing amongst themselves about the merits of government policies that are forcing immigrants with jobs to leave the country.For Membership+ subscribers we look at the economic forecast for Sweden in 2026, which will also be a useful barometer to gauge the government’s chances of securing reelection. Finally we explain why a court has called off this year’s controversial wolf hunt and why a prominent commentator is linking anti-wolf sentiment to right-wing extremism. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and Becky Waterton. The episode also features an excerpt from an interview with Moderate Party youth leader Douglas Thor. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:ChristmasHow to decorate your Christmas tree like a SwedeSkål! A guide to glögg, Sweden's favourite Christmas drinkWhen do you start saying Merry Christmas in Sweden?PoliticsLeader of Swedish Moderate youth wing criticises work permit reformsWhat will happen in Swedish politics during election year 2026?EconomyHow Sweden’s 2026 budget could affect your financesHow strong will the Swedish krona be in 2026?What a strong Swedish krona means for foreigners in SwedenWolvesPlanned wolf cull blocked by Swedish courtGet 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+ 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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    15 mins
  • Sweden in 2026: Will immigration be a big election issue?

    Sweden in 2026: Will immigration be a big election issue?
    Dec 17 2025

    Voters in Sweden will decide next year whether to keep the current coalition government bolstered by the far-right Sweden Democrats or switch to a more left-leaning alternative.

    The Local’s Nordic editor Richard Orange caught up recently with Jonas Hinnfors, a political science professor at Lund University, to get his predictions for the year ahead.

    Can the right-wing parties claw back the percentage points they need to surpass a potential Social Democrat-led coalition in the polls?

    What are the topics likely to dominate the debate in 2026? Will immigration take centre stage again?

    Which leaders risk getting the boot, and will all current parties meet the four-percent parliamentary threshold?

    Tune in to this week's episode for the full interview.

    READ ALSO:

    • GUIDE: Everything you need to know about Sweden's political parties
    • Swedish pro-government parties 'agreed on a plan' for second term in power
    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+


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    4 mins
  • How can Sweden get better at integrating immigrants?

    How can Sweden get better at integrating immigrants?
    Dec 13 2025

    In this week's episode we talk about why immigrants in Sweden are often lumped into categories and what needs to be done to forge real connections, and we look at what Indian readers are telling us about their relationship with Sweden.

    Also, after the United States released a national security strategy that sent shockwaves through Europe, we examine what commentators are saying about the potential ramifications here in Sweden.

    For Membership+ subscribers we discuss what it takes to get a gymnasium, or upper secondary level, qualification in Swedish.

    And with Princess Sofia in the news over meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, we talk through her rise to prominence from Paradise Hotel contest to Duchess of Värmland.

    Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and James Savage. The episode also features an interview with our contributor Faisal Khan.

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

    Immigration
    • LONG READ: In Sweden, there are only good, bad, ugly and evil immigrants
    • UN slams Sweden's 'discriminatory' push to tighten citizenship rules
    • 'The cold changes people's brains': Do Indians in Sweden prefer life back home?
    Language
    • How to decide which Swedish language certificate is best for you
    Royals
    • ARCHIVE: How a reality TV star got a Swedish fairytale
    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+

    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.
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    30 mins
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