Episodes
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This week we have the latest on the citizenship freeze amid signs of a thaw and we ask: Why has there been so little interest in this story from the Swedish media?
We also look at a hotly debated new law criminalising the purchase of sex online.
Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
Swedish citizenshipSweden's Migration Agency to handle oldest citizenship cases first after criticismHow will Sweden's new personal ID checks for citizenship work?Swedish MP says citizenship freeze is 'what the government wanted'Citizenship freeze 'makes a mockery of all those who call Sweden their home'Inside Sweden: If you want citizenship to mean something, this is not how to do itPoliticsHow Sweden's new 'OnlyFans law' bans procuring custom-made online porn 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.
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In this week's episode we talk about why Stockholm is at loggerheads with the US Embassy over anti-diversity demands and we examine a scathing new report on how Sweden’s immigration policies are harming foreign researchers.
For Membership+ subscribers we look at the ongoing saga of Sweden’s failed attempt to appoint a national security advisor after the latest pick for the job stepped down within hours over leaked photos from the Grindr app.
We also have more from last week’s interview with the migration minister, Johan Forssell, and we look into why the Migration Agency rejected an unusually high number of citizenships applications in April.
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:
EnvironmentHow to prepare for a water shortage in Sweden this summerSweden and the USStockholm v Trump: 'If US embassy wanted a building permit, they would have a problem''Completely bizarre': Stockholm hits back at US embassy's anti-DEI contractStudying in SwedenSweden's university union slams 'exploitative' migration policyFive things Sweden should do to attract foreign researchersGet 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.
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Episodes manquant?
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In this week's episode we talk about Sweden’s chances of winning the Eurovision Song Contest for a record-breaking eighth time with KAJ's song Bara Bada Bastu.
On a related note, we immerse ourselves in sauna culture and the Swedish language as it’s spoken in Finland.
We discuss new comments from Sweden’s migration minister, Johan Forssell, on the three-month deadline for job seekers on work permits and how he’s taking inspiration from Finland when it comes to attracting highly skilled workers to Sweden.
Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
EurovisionWhy Sweden's bizarre sauna hit could actually win EurovisionWhat do the lyrics of Sweden's Eurovision entry Bara Bada Bastu actually mean?LanguageKiva! Seven unique Finland Swedish words the world needs to knowSwedish traditions'Bara bada bastu': The ultimate guide to Swedish sauna etiquetteImmigrationSwedish Migration Minister: 'No formal decision' made on future work permit salary threshold'Enormous potential': How Sweden's migration minister wants to attract international talentOPINION: Want to make Sweden more attractive, Johan Forssell? Listen to those already hereOPINION: Sweden needs to reconsider 'three-month deadline' for laid-off non-EU workersGet 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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In this week’s episode we talk about the surprise resignation of the Liberal Party leader Johan Pehrson.
Ten years on from the arrival of record numbers of refugees we also look at how Sweden reacted to the 2015 crisis how how its approach to asylum immigration has changed since then.
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:
PoliticsSwedish education minister and Liberal leader Johan Pehrson resignsImmigration2015 ARCHIVE: Refugee centres packed as cold winter calls2015 ARCHIVE: Sweden split over move to tighten asylum rulesGet 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 talk about the possibility of there being a Swedish pope and the state of Catholicism in Sweden today. We also dive into the history of Sweden’s Valborg celebrations and why bonfires will be lit across Sweden on the last day of the month.
For Membership+ subscribers we jump forward a day to the first of May and what to expect on the public holiday that is Labour Day.
We discuss what to make of a recent burst of activity from the Social Democrats, the party most closely associated with May Day in Sweden.
Finally, with the deadline for filing taxes coming up next week, we give some last minute tips before checking out what readers of The Local are telling us are the most annoying things about Swedish bureaucracy.
Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
Swedish traditionsWhat exactly is Swedish Valborg, and where are the best places to celebrate it?ReligionCould a Swedish cardinal become the next pope?'It would be fun to have a Swedish pope but I think it's pretty unlikely'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 we talk about why Sweden celebrates on the eve of holidays rather than the day itself, and we look at what you need to know about Sweden’s new spring budget.
For Membership+ subscribers we give you background on the proposed new leader of the Centre Party and what her nomination means for Sweden’s complicated political arithmetic.
And finally we’ll examine efforts underway by a couple of Swedish municipalities to attract American academics who might be eager to leave the United States amid funding cuts and worries about academic freedom.
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:
EasterWitches and herring: Seven traditions that reveal it's Easter in SwedenWhy do Swedes celebrate holidays a day early?Sign up for The Local's Swedish Fika CalendarMoneyWhat do we know about Sweden's 2025 spring budget?Sweden was on the road to economic recovery – then Trump happenedGet 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 we talk about about a rush to buy coffee amid rocketing prices and we hear from an expert on Sweden's coffee culture, Henrik Scander.
We also examine the political fallout after an official inquiry recommended stricter regulation of Sweden’s much-debated free schools.
For Membership+ subscribers we look at efforts to stop motorists running over frogs and we discuss differences between how animal noises are described in English and Swedish.
We also dig into calls by the opposition Social Democrats to extend the current three-month time limit given to work permit holders to land a new job when they find themselves out of work.
And finally we have the latest on Sweden’s moves to make it impossible for asylum seekers to get permanent residency.
Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and Becky Waterton.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
Podcast awards The Local's Sweden in Focus podcast shortlisted for awardCost of living Coffee prices hit record high in SwedenWhat's the history behind Sweden's regional coffee varieties?Sign up for The Local's Swedish Fika CalendarSchools How far-reaching are the government's proposals to reform free schools?Why free school profit curbs could matter for Sweden’s next electionGet 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 we talk about the government’s push to eject more immigrants for bad behaviour, and we have an interview with migration minister Johan Forssell on attracting and retaining highly skilled workers.
We also hear from Américo Fernández, an SEB economist and personal finance expert, on how foreigners in Sweden can navigate difficult times in the Swedish economy.
Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and Becky Waterton.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
Immigration What's in Sweden's new 'poor conduct' proposal for residence permits?Sweden set to make 'poor conduct' ground for revoking residence permitsOPINION: Swedish media must get better at covering immigrant perspectives'A trust breaker': Foreign tech workers campaign against new Swedish citizenship lawINTERVIEW: 'We are working intensively to attract more high-skilled workers to Sweden'Cost of LivingWhat's on the horizon for the Swedish economy and how will that affect internationals?Why the pay rise negotiated by Sweden's industrial unions mattersGet 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 we have an interview with an American tech worker who has launched an initiative urging the government to reconsider its plans to tighten citizenship requirements.
Our panelists also discuss why Swedish politicians in Brussels have fought tooth and nail to retain the right for 15-year-old Swedes to drive extremely slowly in car-like contraptions on Swedish roads.
And why are the far-right Sweden Democrats floating the idea of a future partnership with the once all-powerful Social Democrats.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
Swedish citizenship ‘A trust breaker’: Foreign tech workers campaign against Swedish citizenship lawOPINION: Swedish media must get better at covering immigrant perspectivesWant to make Sweden more attractive, Johan Forssell? Listen to those already hereUnderstanding SwedesWhy do Swedish teenagers drive small and excruciatingly slow cars?Politics Why are the Sweden Democrats making overtures to the Social Democrats?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 our panelists discuss two stories affecting work permit holders after parliament voted through a new law targeting former asylum seekers for expulsion from Sweden and Northvolt filed for bankruptcy.
We also ask if Sweden should be doing more to involve immigrants in the construction of a cultural canon that could be used for citizenship tests.
For Membership+ subscribers we find out what Americans are telling us about why they’re moving to Sweden and finally we delve into why a proposed new surveillance law has prompted messaging services WhatsApp and Signal to consider leaving Sweden.
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'We didn't do anything wrong': Foreign workers blindsided by Sweden's 'spårbyte' repealSwedish Migration Agency warns of fast-tracked abolition of 'spårbyte' without transitional rulesSweden to abolish residency permit 'track changes' from April 1stNorthvoltWhat will happen to work permit holders at Northvolt?KEY FACTS: What we know so far about the Northvolt bankruptcyPolitics & CultureWhat books and art can we expect to be in Sweden's future cultural canon?Is the ‘arm’s length’ principle for the arts in Sweden at risk of amputation?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 we discuss: Northvolt’s bankruptcy, the criminal investigation into Sweden’s former national security adviser Henrik Landerholm, the latest on the defence situation for Sweden in relation to Russia and the United States, and why some commentators think Sweden’s needs its own nuclear deterrent.
For Membership+ subscribers we look at what readers are telling us about what it’s like becoming a Swedish citizen, and finally we shine a light on the work being carried out by a taskforce on talent attraction and why the government must do more to include the kind of people it’s hoping to appeal to.
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:
NorthvoltKEY FACTS: What we know so far about the Northvolt bankruptcySweden's troubled Northvolt files for bankruptcy'Too early to say' if Sweden will give foreign Northvolt staff special helpUkraine'We are shocked': Americans in Sweden rally in support of UkrainePoliticsSweden's former national security adviser charged in classified documents scandalThe LocalWhy The Local launched Membership+ (and why you should join if you can)
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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In this week’s episode we discuss the latest Swedish reaction to dramatic changes in the European security landscape. What does Sweden’s defence industry look like, and does the country have enough troops to send peacekeepers to Ukraine?
We also have commentary from Swedish members of the European Parliament about the harsh rhetoric on immigration we’ve seen in Sweden in recent years.
For Membership+ subscribers we look at proposals for a new grading system for Swedish schools to replace a method that critics say is no longer fit for purpose, and finally we dig into reactions to the Migration Agency’s revamped website.
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:
MilitaryHow Sweden's defence industry is ramping up productionSwedish PM 'willing to send peacekeepers to Ukraine'Swedish police open 'sabotage' probe over Gotland water supply damageImmigrationSwedish migration minister in multiculturalism row with Sweden Democrat leaderIs the government changing its rhetoric on immigration?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 we look at what makes Sweden such a trusting society.
We also discuss Muharrem Demirok's decision to step down as Centre Party leader and what it means for the future of a party that's currently siding with the left but has previously allied itself with the right.
And why has a supreme court ruling on European data protection drawn howls of protest from Swedish publishers?
Host Richard Orange is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and James Savage.
Sweden Explained'Sweden has changed fundamentally but the level of trust is the same'Which companies do Swedes trust the most?PoliticsSwedish Centre Party leader Muharrem Demirok to step downCould a new Centre Party leader determine Sweden's next PM?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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In this week's episode we talk about how Sweden is reacting to the United States’ dramatic foreign policy pivot on Europe. What are Swedish politicians saying after US Vice President JD Vance kickstarted a week of new lows in US-Europe relations?
We also look at the planned closure of an international upper-level high school in Stockholm and speak to Abdirahim Mohammed, the student who launched a petition calling for action to save the school.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
Politics'Ice in the stomach': Swedish politicians react to Trump's new world orderWill Europe match words with actions after being sidelined by Trump?Swedish word of the day: is i magenSchoolsIES to close Stockholm flagship school leaving 159 students strandedWhat's it like to work as a foreign teacher at Swedish free school chain IES?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: Reader reactions to Örebro mass murder, and why a gun law debate sparked fury among Sweden Democrats. For Membership+ subscribers: What would make the government rethink a plan to apply citizenship law changes retroactively to current applicants? And why the King revealed the wrong name for a new Swedish princess.
Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and James Savage.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
CrimeOPINION: It's down to Sweden's lawmakers to help immigrants feel less vulnerableFULL LIST: What we know of the ten victims of the Örebro campus attackDid the prime minister find his inner statesman?Sweden to allow schoolbag searches after mass shootingPoliticsTop Sweden Democrat steps down after party pushes ahead with AR-15 banSweden to limit access to semi-automatic weapons after mass shootingGet 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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We're releasing the podcast earlier than usual this week to bring you up to date information on this week's horrific shooting in Örebro that left eleven people dead.
We also look at why Sweden’s government wants to make the new citizenship rules retroactive and how applicants are reacting.
In the longer version for Membership+ subscribers we give you the lowdown on sportlov, the annual Swedish school break that sees families leave the cities en masse for the northern slopes and, finally, we dig into why the government is planning to give foreign experts bigger tax cuts.
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:
Crime'Multiple nationalities' among victims in Swedish mass shooting: policeWhat we know so far about the Örebro campus attackPoliticsSwedish government to make new citizenship rules retroactiveUPDATED: Readers' questions answered on Sweden's citizenship reformsGet 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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We start this week with news that broke just before we started recording the episode. The victims of two separate murders in the greater Stockholm region on Wednesday were revealed to be, in the first killing in Husby, an uncle of organised crime chief Rawa Majid and, in Södertälje, Salwan Momika, who was behind a quran-burning spree in 2023. Coming at the end of a record month for explosive attacks, how serious is the current crime wave and what's being done to stop it?
We also look at why Sweden’s national security adviser finally resigned and what it means for the government, why a Swedish police tactical unit boarded a ship in the Baltic. And, taking a breaking from the news, we learn how to speak Swedish like a Scanian.
Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
CrimeQuran-burner Salwan Momika shot dead in StockholmSocial Democrats: Turn all of southern Stockholm into one big stop-and-search zoneSwedish police warn parents to keep eyes on kids after wave of violence
PoliticsPolitics in Sweden: Why carelessness isn't the only issue with the PM's 'bästis'Military'I think it's the Russians': Swedish defence expert on cable sabotageLanguage17 dialect words you'll need to know to survive in southern SwedenBecome 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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This week we talk about Donald Trump's return to the White House and how it’s going to impact Sweden, especially in the areas of trade and security. And could the Tesla strike become a flashpoint with Elon Musk now a part of the US administration?
One Swede who was in the United States recently is the deputy prime minster Ebba Busch. We discuss her recent visit to Las Vegas where she gave a rousing speech about Swedish innovation that sparked animated debate back home.
We’ll also examine why the Prime Minister is coming under increasing pressure to sack his national security adviser, who also happens to be his close childhood friend.
For Membership+ subscribers we dig into comments we’ve received from readers about proposals to extend the waiting time for citizenship and we bring you the latest on the government’s plans to increase the salary requirement for work permit holders after the employment minister said he’d be open to backtracking.
Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and James Savage.
Sweden & the United StatesWhat does Donald Trump's return to the White House mean for Sweden?InnovationFrom 2023: Sweden ranked second most innovative country in the worldPoliticsSweden's national security adviser's slip-ups examined by prosecutorsGet 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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Sweden's government promised a paradigm shift on immigration and this was a week in which they moved ahead with some cornerstone policies.
As we spoke about in last week's podcast, enhanced security checks are expected to slow down decisions on citizenship by a migration authority already struggling to manage a backlog of more that 80,000 applications.
The head of a government inquiry this week recommended a grace period for existing applicants as Sweden moves to extend residency requirements from five to eight years for citizenship. In this week's episode politicians remind us that they're not obliged to follow the inquiry's recommendations.
For Membership+ subscribers we discuss why dual citizenship on the agenda this week after a parliamentary committee recommended changing the constitution to enable the revocation of Swedish citizenship for serious crimes including espionage, terrorism and treason. But a disagreement between the government and the Social Democrats on which crimes should be covered suggests this is an issue we'll be hearing much more about in the run-up to the 2026 election.
Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and James Savage.
Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
New Swedish citizenship rulesSwedish government inquiry proposes increasing citizenship wait to eight yearsKEY POINTS: Sweden's plans for tougher citizenship rulesReaders' questions answered on Sweden's citizenship reformsHow do foreigners feel about extending Sweden's citizenship wait to eight years?Swedish migration minister won't rule out making new citizenship rules retroactive 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.
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Migration minister on citizenship security checks, January's 'ox weeks', citizenship and immigration rule changes, Northvolt's battle for survival. For membership+ subscribers: why Sweden has a wolf hunt, and what readers say about receiving wrong information from the Migration Agency.
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:
Swedish citizenshipLabour migrants 'should not be worried at all' about citizenship checks, says ministerLanguage & TraditionTjugonde Knut: Why Swedish Christmas lasts until January 13thSwedish word of the day: oxveckorna
Sweden in 2025Seven things to look forward to in Sweden in 2025NorthvoltNorthvolt shareholders give company green light to continue operationsEnvironmentSweden to launch wolf cull amid conservation concernsMigration AgencyHow often does Sweden's Migration Agency give out false information?How does the Swedish Migration Agency check that its information is accurate?
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.
- Montre plus
