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In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus we look back at the Swedish year in news.
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the stories that shaped Sweden over the past year. Join us for an end-of-year quiz where we dive into the headlines and events that shaped the news agenda.
What do you remember about the extreme weather events that kickstarted 2024? Do you recall who won Olympic gold medals for Sweden? And can you believe that it was only this year that Sweden finally joined Nato?
Host Paul O’Mahony in Stockholm is joined this week from Malmö by The Local's Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren.
Good luck! And here you can read more about each of the questions:
January February March April May June July August September October November DecemberBecome a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.
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In this week's episode: the best things about Christmas in Sweden, interview with the Greens' migration spokesperson on citizenship slowdown plans.
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:
ChristmasFACT CHECK: Did a Swedish company really tell staff not to say Merry Christmas?What you need to know about travelling in Sweden for Christmas 2024Sweden's beloved TV series that changes every yearCitizenshipSweden Democrat leader: 'People who are born here should be able to lose their citizenship'Lawyers and migration experts slam Swedish government's citizenship slowdown bidWhat's the current status of Sweden's planned migration laws?Work permitsHow new Swedish migration rules could affect foreign residents in 2025'A hodgepodge of bad measures': Swedish employers' group slams work permit changesBecome a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
SyriaSweden puts Syrian asylum decisions on holdWhere did the most new Swedish citizens come from in 2024?LiteratureTen Swedish books to read this yearEXTERNAL LINK: New reading lists for Swedish preschools and schools (PDF) 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+
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Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.
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In this week's episode: Sweden’s Lucia tradition, who was Princess Birgitta, what we know about the government’s plan to stall citizenship grants.
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Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists James Savage and Richard Orange.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
LuciaWhat you need to know about celebrating Lucia in SwedenRoyalIN PICS: Who was Princess Birgitta, King Carl XVI's outspoken elder sister?Swedish citizenshipSwedish government strikes deal to slow down Sweden citizenship awardsOPINION: Foreigners in Sweden deserve fair and transparent citizenship rulesSwedish citizenship slowdown 'very sketchy', says top Social DemocratGet 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+
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Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.
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In this week's episode: Swedish Advent traditions, ‘snitch law’ exemptions and a tricky Swedish language quiz.
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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:
PoliticsFormer parliamentary speaker Birgitta Dahl diesAdventSwedish word of the day: adventWhy do the Nordic countries light candles on each Sunday of Advent?MigrationSweden's government agrees to exempt schools, healthcare and social work from 'snitch law'LanguageThe seven stages of learning Swedish every foreigner goes throughGet 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.
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Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.
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In this week's episode: why Sweden's deputy PM wants to restrict immigrants’ voting rights, how to get your body and mind ready for the winter, why a Swedish ad featuring the English c-word went viral last week.
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:
Immigration Sweden's deputy PM proposes cutting non-citizens' voting rightsSweden Democrats call for ban on new citizenships until tougher rules are in placeWinterHow to prepare for a snowstorm in Sweden How a year on my allotment taught me to appreciate the Swedish seasons LanguageStockholm Metro ad blasted over 'shocking' use of English c-word__
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.
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Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.
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Special offer for membersGet Membership+ free for two months
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In this week's episode: will immigrants become cultural canon fodder? How Swedish politicians have reacted to Donald Trump’s victory, what's happening with the Tesla strike?
Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local Sweden editor Emma Löfren and Nordic editor Richard Orange.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
CultureIs the ‘arm’s length’ principle for the arts in Sweden at risk of amputation?LISTEN: Sweden's cultural canon plan and what it means for foreignersUS election Politics in Sweden: How Trump's victory let Sweden's PM show off his gravitas Tesla strikeSwedish union boss: 'Culture clash' behind strikes against Tesla Swedish union slams Tesla for bringing in foreign strike breakers 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.
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In this week's episode: We chat to Americans about the US election result and how it will affect Sweden, Riksbank slashes key interest rate, reactions to the guilty verdict delivered to the far-right leader Rasmus Paludan for hate speech.
Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local Sweden editor Emma Löfren and publisher James Savage.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
US ElectionAmericans in Sweden mourn Democrat defeat at election vigils'I miss being with other Americans who feel the stakes as deeply as I do'Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson congratulates Trump on election winEconomySweden's Riksbank slashes rates with first 'double cut' in a decade IN FIGURES: How could lower interest rates affect your Swedish mortgage? CrimeSwedish court jails Danish extremist Rasmus Paludan for hate crimes 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.
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In this week's episode: How gang crime is top of the agenda for Nordic leaders, why a politician wants to make recognizing Israel a condition of citizenship, the controversial past of India’s new ambassador, and which of Swedish universities are really world class.
Host James Savage 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:
Nordic Council of MinistersNordic countries vow joint crackdown on gangs and migration
Israel and citizenshipNew Swedish citizens should have to recognise Israel, MEP demands
Indian ambassadorIndia's new ambassador to Sweden tainted by maid abuse scandal
Sweden's best universitiesRANKED: The best universities in Scandinavia for 2025
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.
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In this week's episode: Halloween preparations, why Sweden is seeing fewer work permit applications, how a new fiscal policy framework has divided Sweden's left-wing parties.
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:
Swedish traditionsHalloween vs All Saints Day: How to celebrate in SwedenThe best places to celebrate Halloween in Sweden this yearWork permitsSwedish Migration Agency: We underestimated effect of work permit salary threshold EconomyEXPLAINED: How significant is it that Sweden is changing its fiscal target? Politics in Sweden: Have the Social Democrats just lost themselves the next election? 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 in
Inside 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 return
Strange 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.
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