129 episodes

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.

Sweden in Focus The Local

    • News
    • 4.7 • 27 Ratings

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.

    Three parties risk European elimination as Sweden goes to the polls

    Three parties risk European elimination as Sweden goes to the polls

    Striking nurses, European election preview, Sweden Democrats' anti-Arab trolling, how can Sweden get more inclusive? 
    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:
    Healthcare strikeNurses in Sweden launch first strike in 16 yearsEuropean electionsSix ways the EU election might upend Sweden's political landscape Discrimination Tell us: What can Sweden do to make the country more inclusive? __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.

    • 13 min
    Is Iran using Swedish gangs in its proxy war with Israel?

    Is Iran using Swedish gangs in its proxy war with Israel?

    Iran accused of deploying Swedish gangs, Ebba Busch sparks anger over Islam remarks, how Sweden can make immigrants feel more welcome on National Day?
    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:
    IranSwedish security chiefs: Iran recruits gangs to hit Israeli targets in SwedenSweden calls Iranian diplomat to meeting over gang crime allegations European electionsWho are Sweden's top candidates in the European election? National Day (and a nod to Midsummer)Why does Sweden celebrate National Day on June 6th? The seven bizarre traditions that make up Swedish Midsummer 
    Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.



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

    • 20 min
    How can Sweden get more immigrants in leadership roles?

    How can Sweden get more immigrants in leadership roles?

    This week in Sweden in Focus: Nurses plan to strike, Sweden Democrats vow to keep on trolling, and how can Sweden combat discrimination?
    Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local Sweden's editor Emma Löfgren and our Nordic correspondent Richard Orange. The episode also features interviews with Greg Fernando, the founder of New to Sweden, an organisation promoting greater workplace diversity, and Paulina Brandberg, Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life. 
    Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
    Nurses strike Swedish healthcare strike: What nurses and midwives' overtime protest means for youTroll factorySwedish PM won't end Sweden Democrats collaboration over 'troll factory' Inside Sweden: Why troll factory won't spark a government crisis DiscriminationOPINION: ‘No such thing as race’: why Sweden’s colour-blind approach is failing PODCAST: Why doesn't Sweden gather data on race and ethnicity – and should it? 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.

    • 23 min
    INTERVIEW - Sweden's labour migration clampdown will harm green transition: Green Party leader

    INTERVIEW - Sweden's labour migration clampdown will harm green transition: Green Party leader

    In this week's Sweden in Focus Extra: Green Party joint leader Daniel Helldén on criticism of government climate policy, the EU elections, immigration and online attacks from far-right troll accounts. 
    After a turbulent period for the party, the Greens recently put in place a new leadership duo: Daniel Helldén, previously vice mayor of Stockholm, and Amanda Lind, the former culture minister.
    We chat this week with Daniel Helldén to find out about the party’s direction ahead of the upcoming EU election and beyond. We also ask where the party stands on new income requirements for work permit holders and what Helldén thinks of revelations about anonymous social media troll accounts run by the Sweden Democrats.
    THE KEY PLAYERS: Who's who in Swedish politics?Who are Sweden's top candidates in the European election?

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



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

    • 39 min
    Sweden Democrat troll factory scandal grows and Taylor Swift hits Stockholm

    Sweden Democrat troll factory scandal grows and Taylor Swift hits Stockholm

    This week: Fallout from Sweden Democrat troll factory scandal, how Stockholm has prepared for Taylor Swift, excerpts from interview with Green Party leader Daniel Helldén.
    Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Nordic correspondent, Richard Orange. The episode also features interviews with Dagens Nyheter's reporter Evelyn Jones, Stockholm Business Region's communications director Monica Engqvist and Green Party co-leader Daniel Helldén. 
    Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
    Sweden Democrats Sweden Democrats spread white power propagandaHow the Sweden Democrats' 'troll factory' tries to shape the immigration debate Uncovering a Sweden Democrat troll factory: 'I had to get inside to get the truth'Taylor Swift Do Taylor Swift's ancestors really come from a small parish in rural Sweden? 
    Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.



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

    • 24 min
    How will lower interest rates affect your life in Sweden, and how likely is a 4-day week?

    How will lower interest rates affect your life in Sweden, and how likely is a 4-day week?

    In this week's episode: Security fears and parties in Malmö for Eurovision, how lower interest rates affect people in Sweden, and Sweden Democrats get caught running a social media troll factory. 
    --
    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. 
    --
    Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren. 
    Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:
    EurovisionSweden's Eurovision brings kitsch in the shadow of Gaza How Eurovision visitors can make the most of MalmöMoneyThree ways Sweden's slashed interest rate will boost your finances Which Swedish banks have the lowest mortgage rates?PoliticsREVEALED: Sweden Democrats' secret social media 'troll factory' PropertyFor sale: New record as flood of apartments hits the market in Sweden How do you beat the stress of the Swedish property bidding frenzy?Sabotage allegationsSwedish rail derailments could be linked to 'Russian-backed sabotage'  Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.



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

    • 15 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
27 Ratings

27 Ratings

Lyagard101 ,

Thank you for making this podcast!!

I look forward to listening to this every week. Learn so much about Sweden I would have never figured out. I love the nitty gritty on the new immigration rules. I love learning cultural history. My Swedish partner also learns new things about Sweden! One thing I would like to see more of is how to get more involved in life in Sweden. For example how to join a climate group, how to join a political party, it feels difficult to know how to get involved sometimes. Thanks!

rmrigomartinez ,

Great, educational podcast.

American living in Sweden - this podcast is a godsend for keeping up with the day to day events and getting a feel for the cultural ebbs and flows.

The economic and immigration coverage is great - don’t take the foot off the gas! :-)

vango91 ,

So informative for non-Swedes!

My daughter moved to Sweden from the US for work so I love listening to this podcast to stay up-to-date on news and to learn more about Swedish culture. Thanks for providing this podcast!

Top Podcasts In News

The Daily
The New York Times
The Tucker Carlson Show
Tucker Carlson Network
Up First
NPR
Pod Save America
Crooked Media
The Ben Shapiro Show
The Daily Wire
The Megyn Kelly Show
SiriusXM

You Might Also Like

Simple Swedish Podcast
Swedish Linguist
Swedish podcast for beginners (Lätt svenska med Oskar)
Oskar Nyström
Livet på lätt svenska
Sara Lövestam och Isabelle Stromberg
Stockholm is a State of Minds
Stockholm Dual Career Network
Coffee Break Swedish
Coffee Break Languages
Inside Europe
DW