In this week's episode we talk about Sweden’s expansive new budget and how it’s likely to affect our pockets – and next year’s election.

We'll also help hone your Swedish language skills as we explain the subtle but all-important differences between different words for the English ‘put’.

For Membership+ subscribers we look at the fallout after Sweden’s civil defence minister was pursued in the street by angry pro-Palestinian protestors.

And we examine how Sweden is planning to make it harder for the family members of immigrants to move here.

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:

• Sweden's government to cut taxes on work and pensions
• How much will you save in Sweden's bumper 2026 budget?

• Lägga, sätta, ställa: the different Swedish words for ‘put’

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In this clip from Sweden in Focus Extra, The Local's Richard Orange catches up with Douglas Thor, the head of the Moderate party’s youth wing, to talk about his ideas for combating teen deportations.

As we’ve reported quite a bit recently, Sweden is routinely deporting the young adult children of permanent residency applicants if they can’t support themselves financially, and Douglas Thor has been vocal in his criticism of how the country is essentially forcing away families who he believes have a lot to contribute to society.

He also has a lot to say about the salary threshold for work permits, how he thinks his own party has gone way too far in bending to the will of the far-right Sweden Democrats, and much more besides.

Membership+ subscribers can listen to the interview in the latest episode of Sweden in Focus Extra.

READ ALSO:

• 'A bug in the system is seeing hard-working people deported from Sweden'
• EXPLAINED: How to avoid Sweden's teen deportation trap
• 'Sweden is less appealing': How teen deportations deter foreign talent

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In this week's episode, panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange tell us how they've recently embellished their Swedish credentials through woodland activities and crayfish parties.

In news, we look at how the government is planning to combat high food prices as well as what property prices and the value of the krona are telling us about the state of Sweden’s economy.

We also dive into the new Swedish cultural canon that was presented this week and we hear what people are saying about a list spanning everything from Ikea to Pippi Longstocking.

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

• How much money will Sweden's halving of food VAT save an average family?
• Swedish apartment prices nearing three-year high
• Swedish krona reaches strongest level in more than three years

• Pippi, Ikea and the Nobel prize: Sweden gets its first cultural canon
• FULL LIST: Everything that's in Sweden's new cultural canon

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• For new members: Get Membership+

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In this clip from Sweden in Focus Extra, host Paul O'Mahony chats with Iain Forbes, a medical professional from the UK who moved to Falun shortly after the 2016 Brexit vote.

In the interview Forbes speaks in glowing terms about the integration package offered to him by the Dalarna Region, which included six months of fully paid language instruction as well as assistance with relocation and housing.

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 we talk about the government’s plans for citizenship tests and why universities want nothing to do with creating them. And when does autumn start in Sweden? Have we given up on summer already?

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:

• Stockholm University protests Swedish citizenship test role

• Inside Sweden: When does summer in Sweden actually end?

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+

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• 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.

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In this week's episode we talk about the latest from the trial of Sweden’s former national security chief, Henrik Landerholm, over the negligent handling of classified documents.

We also discuss the language used to describe people who weren’t born in Sweden. Are we immigrants, foreigners, expats or something else entirely?

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:

• How to pick mushrooms in Sweden like you've been doing it all your life

• Cricket in Sweden: how can an immigrant-powered sport attract new players?

• Historic Swedish church arrives at new home

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+

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• 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.

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In this week's episode we talk about the resurrection of Northvolt and what new ownership will mean for the bankrupt battery maker.

We also ask if the government is likely to do anything to stop the trend of young adults being deported while their working parents are allowed to stay in Sweden.

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:

• KEY POINTS: What do we know about the rescue of Swedish battery company Northvolt?
• Lyten agrees to buy bankrupt Swedish battery company Northvolt

• Will Sweden’s government act to stop ‘teen deportations’?
• Why is Sweden's 2021 migration law leading to 'teen deportations'?

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.

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

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In this week's episode we talk about Sweden’s return to day-to-day life as the summer holidays wind down. In politics we discuss divisions on the right on how to deal with Israel, and we dig into reactions to news that the Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson uses Chat GPT to test out new ideas.

Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelist Richard Orange.

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

• Eight phrases to get back in the groove like a Swede after the summer holidays

• MAP: The places in northern Sweden that set new heat records in July
• Tourists seeking 'coolcations' in Norway and Sweden hit by heatwaves instead

• Politics in Sweden: Swedish right divided over relations with Israel
• Christian Democrat leader slammed for claiming Israel 'doing the world a favour'

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+

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• 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.