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Estimated from 19 chart positions in 19 markets.
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- 🇬🇧GB · News Commentary#1265K to 30K
- 🇩🇪DE · News Commentary#1835K to 30K
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52K to 176K🎙 Daily cadence·260 episodes·Last published 2d ago - Monthly Reach
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69K to 235K
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Recent episodes
Why 1,800 lawyers warn rule of law is under threat in Sweden
May 14, 2026
Unknown duration
'All applications in Sweden's citizenship queue will be assessed according to the new rules'
May 12, 2026
Unknown duration
Week of chaos in Swedish politics after citizenship vote scandal
May 8, 2026
Unknown duration
'Swedes are realising we need people from other countries to do jobs'
May 6, 2026
Unknown duration
How Sweden’s dramatic citizenship law deadline day unfolded
Apr 30, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/14/26 | Why 1,800 lawyers warn rule of law is under threat in Sweden | This week we discuss the talk about whether the rule of law is threatened in Sweden, as many lawyers are now arguing. We also ask why things got heated in the Riksdag this week.Why are some museums saying they’re being forced out of Stockholm?And we finish up with a tricky quiz on Swedish society. Host James Savage is joined this week by panelists Emma Löfgren and Mandy Pipher. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Politics & law More than 1,800 lawyers warn rule of law being dismantled in SwedenPolitics Sweden Democrat MP accused of threatening behaviour in parliamentImmigrationQUIZ: Can you pass The Local's mock Swedish citizenship test?__This week’s episode is sponsored by SULF, the Swedish Association of University Teachers and Researchers.SULF was instrumental recently in securing residence permit exemptions for academics and is consistently working hard to be as accessible as possible for English speakers in Sweden.So if you are a PhD student or university teacher in Sweden you’ll find SULF a great place to meet like-minded people who are fighting hard for academic freedom and the rights of researchers here. You can find out more on the English-language section of the SULF website. __ 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. | — | ||||||
| 5/12/26 | 'All applications in Sweden's citizenship queue will be assessed according to the new rules' | Sweden is introducing a stricter new citizenship law from June 6th. But there will be no transitional provisions for the 100,000 people waiting in the citizenship queue.That’s unless opposition politicians manage to force lawmakers to vote again on transitional rules after the previous vote was marred by cheating accusations at the end of last month, as The Local was first to report.Last week our reporter Mandy Pipher caught up with Åsa Holmes, the head of the Swedish Migration Agency’s citizenship unit in Gothenburg to find out how the agency is planning to assess cases after the June changes come into force. And will applicants be able to get a refund now that Sweden has moved the goal posts?READ ALSO:How will the Swedish Migration Agency handle citizenship cases after June 6th?Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ 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. | — | ||||||
| 5/8/26 | Week of chaos in Swedish politics after citizenship vote scandal | This week we discuss the aftershock from last week’s parliamentary vote on stricter citizenship rules.We’ve got an interview with Åsa Holmes from the Migration Agency on how the new rules will be applied — and what it means for people already in the system.We also look at the new civics test for citizenship.For Membership+ subscribers, we look at the TISUS exam — which now counts towards the language requirement for citizenship.And finally we look a why – if you notice a Swedish person staring at you and then looking away – they’re not necessarily being rude.Host Richard Orange is joined this week by panelists Becky Waterton and Mandy Pipher. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Swedish citizenship'Total deadlock': No end in sight to Sweden's parliamentary pairing chaosNo decision made about transitional rules at committee meetingHow will the Swedish Migration Agency handle citizenship cases after June 6th?Sweden's first citizenship test to be held on August 15thHow likely is a revote on transitional rules for Swedish citizenship?Swedish habitsWhy that Swede glaring at you on the street might be trying to be polite__Our sponsor this week is Sveriges Ingenjörer (Engineers of Sweden) Sign up here for their live Q&A sessions on working in SwedenMay 12th sessionJune 16th session__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. | — | ||||||
| 5/6/26 | 'Swedes are realising we need people from other countries to do jobs' | Public opinion in Sweden is increasingly at odds with the government's restrictive immigration policies, a new survey has found.The study, commissioned by non-profit organisation Globeknot and carried out by Novus, found that 81 per cent of respondents thought that foreigners who follow the law and support themselves should be allowed to stay in Sweden.The Local's Richard Orange caught up with Globeknot's Andreas Bergh, who is also Associate Professor of Economics at Lund University, to find out more about the survey.READ ALSO:Sweden's migration crackdown 'goes beyond what most voters want'__Our sponsor this week is Sveriges Ingenjörer (Engineers of Sweden) Sign up here for their live Q&A sessions on working in SwedenMay 12th sessionJune 16th session__Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/30/26 | How Sweden’s dramatic citizenship law deadline day unfolded | 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+ This week we spend most of the episode looking at Wednesday’s controversial vote in parliament to pass stricter citizenship laws.We also talk about King Carl Gustaf’s 80th birthday celebrations, Sweden’s bonfire night and May Day celebrations.Host James Savage is joined this week by panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Swedish citizenship voteAs it happened: Swedish MPs vote through citizenship reforms without transitional rulesSweden's parliament rejects transitional rules for citizenship billSweden Democrats accused of cheating to block transitional rules for citizenshipSwedish opposition demand revote on transitional citizenship rules'I feel scammed': Foreigners in Sweden react to controversial citizenship voteSwedish traditionsWalpurgis Night: Why are Swedes dancing around bonfires?Where are the best places to celebrate Valborg in Sweden in 2026?Why is May 1st a public holiday in Sweden? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/28/26 | 'Still a mystery' how Sweden's left can end in-fighting to rule together | Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ __Sweden is heading to an election in less than five months and the left of centre parties are leading consistently in the polls.But the question everyone's asking i:, could this disparate group of parties form a government?Will the Centre Party or the Left Party drop some of their red lines to make this happen? And what could the alternatives be? Richard Orange caught up with Nicholas Aylott, Associate Professor of Political Science at Södertörn University in the south of Stockholm, to ask him what might happen. READ ALSO:Will there still be a left-wing and right-wing bloc come September? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/24/26 | Why most high-skilled workers say they're happy in 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+ __This week we look at a new survey in which skilled workers say what they like most and least about Sweden.We ask which parts of some of Sweden’s big cities are best for foreigners.And we look at whether the next government could unite parties of the left and right.And in exclusive material for Membership+ subscribers we look at whether your flights home could be disrupted this summer as fuel costs soar.Host James Savage is joined this week by panelists Mandy Pipher and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Working in SwedenWork-life balance and family chief draw for high-skilled workers in SwedenReader insights'Safe, clean and peaceful': The Malmö districts foreigners favour the most'An international hub': These are the best districts for foreigners in Gothenburg'Open-minded and cosmopolitan': The Stockholm districts foreigners like the mostPoliticsHow would you like The Local to cover the Swedish election?TravelFlight cancelled or delayed? Here are your rights in Sweden Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/22/26 | 'Sweden is no longer good at protecting the interests of its international residents' | Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ __Many people might think that someone working on a PhD funded by the Swedish state at a Swedish university would get an easy ride from migration authorities.That hasn’t been the case for Fahima Ayub Khan, a linguistics and cognitive science researcher studying for a PhD at the University of Gothenburg.She was denied a permit renewal and issued a deportation order just as she entered the final stretch of her doctoral studies.In this week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra, she tells The Local's Mandy Pipher about how her battle with Swedish bureaucracy has affected her life.READ ALSO:'We are not bonded labourers': University researcher fights Swedish deportation order Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/17/26 | Why Sweden is shutting off pathways to permanent residency | 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+ __This week we ask how new curbs on permanent residency will hit immigrants.As the Wallenberg family rescues a groundbreaking green steel project in northern Sweden, we examine whether the Swedish green transition has reached a fork in the road.We also have a look at what goodies the government is showering over the electorate in the last budget before the election.And in exclusive material for Membership+ subscribers we discuss Swedes’ favourite word – and we ask if our panelists can come up with a better one.Host James Savage is joined this week by panelists Mandy Pipher and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:ImmigrationEXPLAINED: Who is affected by Sweden's law phasing out permanent residencyPoliticsKEY POINTS: Sweden's spring budget bill in less than a minuteBusinessSwedish steel startup Stegra to receive 1.4 billion euro investmentSwedish languageIs lagom really the best word in the Swedish language? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/15/26 | ‘It’s wrong for the Swedish state to decide who companies should employ’ | Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre.__Applicants for work permits in Sweden will soon have to earn 90 percent of the median wage, or just over 33,000 kronor a month, to qualify.But some key professions will be exempted from the requirement. No decision has yet been made on exactly which jobs will be exempted, but The Local recently obtained lists of the professions provided to the government by the Migration Agency for consideration.The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, a lobby group representing Swedish businesses, has long sought to maintain Sweden's liberal work permit rules.In this week’s episode, The Local's Richard Orange catches up with Amelie Berg, the organisation's expert on immigration and labour mobility issues, to get her take on the latest updates. READ ALSO:Swedish businesses call for work permit exemption list 'as soon as possible' 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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| 4/11/26 | Why does Ulf Kristersson want to put Sweden Democrats in charge of immigration? | This week we ask whether the new deal between Ulf Kristersson and Jimmie Åkesson is a capitulation or a masterstroke by the prime minister. And what a Sweden Democrat migration minister might mean.We look at what it's really like inside one of Sweden’s deportation centres – and why being articulate might lead to you getting forced onto a deportation flight earlier than you’d like.And we examine how high-skilled workers are reacting to the newest migration laws.In exclusive material for Membership+ subscribers we discuss whether the Swedish culture of shielding kids from competition is progressive or constraining.Host James Savage is joined this week by panelists Mandy Pipher and Richard Orange.__Our sponsor this week is Sveriges Ingenjörer (Engineers of Sweden) Sign up here for their live Q&A sessions on working in SwedenApril 16th sessionMay 12th sessionJune 16th session__Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:PoliticsSweden Democrats to be in charge of immigration in a future right-wing governmentDetained in SwedenTwo hours inside Sweden's controversial detention hub for to-be-deported migrantsSwedish police asked to speed up deportation of 'intelligent and articulate' software engineerImmigrationA ban on being Swedish? Minister rails against France's new snus banSwedish traditions'We can go elsewhere': Skilled workers question future in Sweden over 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+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/8/26 | Sweden's immigration overhaul 'erodes trust in government institutions' | Our sponsor this week is Sveriges Ingenjörer (Engineers of Sweden) Sign up here for their live Q&A sessions on working in SwedenApril 16th sessionMay 12th sessionJune 16th sessionGet Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ __How are constant changes to Sweden’s immigration rules, most recently the citizenship rules, affecting tech workers? What does Sweden need to do to stay attractive to international talent?And how is the AI shift affecting workers at Spotify?In this week’s episode, The Local Sweden’s editor Emma Löfgren speaks with Péter Tóth, who is a data engineer and chairperson of Spotify Workers Unionen.READ ALSO:Swedish union leaders warn 'haphazard' citizenship reforms could harm international reputation Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 4/3/26 | How serious is Sweden's democratic decline? | Our sponsor this week is Sveriges Ingenjörer (Engineers of Sweden) Sign up here for their live Q&A sessions on working in SwedenApril 16th sessionMay 12th sessionJune 16th session__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+ __This week we ask whether the campaign for transitional rules for citizenship applicants has a chance. And is Sweden really guilty of democratic backsliding, as a new report claims?Also, why is snus is causing ructions between Sweden and France? And anyone who has experienced the past few days will know, April in Sweden is notorious for its unreliable weather. So – for Membership+ subscribers – we put our panelists through their paces with a quiz about Swedish weather folklore.Host James Savage is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange.Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:CitizenshipSwedish union leaders warn 'haphazard' citizenship reforms could harm international reputationHow can you show proof of Swedish and civics knowledge for citizenship?PoliticsFive ways in which Sweden's government is eroding the rule of lawSwedish traditionsA ban on being Swedish? Minister rails against France's new snus ban Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/31/26 | 'We worry that migration rules are making Sweden more unattractive' | Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ __How are tougher immigration laws affecting Swedish companies and their ability to recruit the people they need to be able to compete internationally in a fast-changing labour market? How important are immigration rules in attracting foreign workers? And what do Swedish trade unions think about the lack of transitional rules in new citizenship legislation? In this week’s episode, The Local Sweden’s editor Emma Löfgren speaks with Therese Svanström, chairperson of TCO, the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees.READ ALSO:Is Swedish media opinion on migration crackdown finally shifting? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/28/26 | How to celebrate Easter in Sweden, and unions press government on immigration clampdown | This week we talk about why some Swedish trade unions are pushing back against Sweden’s stricter immigration laws.Also, with Easter around the corner we look at how the holiday is celebrated in Sweden.For Membership+ subscribers we discuss the government’s plan to eject foreigners from Sweden for ‘bristande vandel’ or poor conduct.Finally, we examine the 1,000-day backlog at the Swedish Migration Agency, and ask what – if anything – is being done to shorten it.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:CitizenshipSwedish migration minister doesn't rule out meeting citizenship campaignersSocial Democrats join call to add transitional rules to citizenship billEasterWitches and herring: Seven traditions that reveal it's Easter in SwedenImmigration Sweden could start deporting foreigners over 'poor conduct' this summerMigration Agency Swedish Migration Agency works to cut backlog as waiting time passes 1,000 days__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+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/25/26 | 'Politicians knew teens would be kicked out – the surprise was the reaction' | Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ __In this week’s episode we’ll hear a conversation The Local’s Nordic editor Richard Orange had recently with Fredrik Kopsch, chief economist at the right-wing think tank Timbro. The interview was carried out before Sweden’s government held a press conference in which they u-turned on policies leading to the deportation of well-integrated young adults and foreign workers. This is a subject close to Kopsch’s heart. He released a book last year called Utvisad, or deported, which tackles these questions and he spoke in depth with Richard about what he thinks Sweden should be doing differently on immigration and integration, and how the government’s so-called paradigm shift on immigration has left him disillusioned with right-wing politics in Sweden. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/19/26 | Crunch time for Sweden's new citizenship law | 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+ __This week we talk about the latest on Sweden’s new citizenship law as we enter a crunch period for possible amendments before it’s enacted.Also, with six months left to the election we examine the state of play after a dramatic week in Swedish politics.For Membership+ subscribers we’ take a closer look at the Tisus Swedish language test which some prospective citizens hope will be their gateway to completing the new language requirement. And we talk more generally about how to get into a Swedish university after applications opened earlier this week.Finally, we get our teeth into Sweden’s Waffle Day tradition ahead of the annual celebration of the humble våffla next week.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:CitizenshipMembers Q&A on Sweden's tightening of citizenship rules'Security reasons' behind lack of transitional rules for Swedish citizenshipPoliticsPolitics in Sweden: Hugging Åkesson close could be the kiss of death for LiberalsWhat's in the Liberals' 15-point deal with the Sweden Democrats?EducationSweden's language requirement to be enforced from June 6th despite test delayWhat you need to know about applying to university in SwedenSwedish traditionsWhy do Swedes always eat waffles on March 25th? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/17/26 | Why the Liberals abandoned their opposition to Sweden Democrats in government | Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ __The smallest party in Sweden's three-party coalition government faces a battle for survival, with opinion polls consistently showing the Liberals way below the four-percent support required to enter the Riksdag. It was against this backdrop that party leader Simona Mohamsson held a joint press conference on Friday with Jimmie Åkesson, the leader of the Sweden Democrat party on which the coalition is so for support. At a meeting that ended with a hug in front of press photographers, Mohamsson revealed that her party was abandoning its long-standing opposition to going into government with the far right. The Local's James Savage is our guest this week to analyse what it means for Swedish politics now that the Liberals have broken a key pledge to their voters. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/14/26 | What does Sweden's deportation climbdown mean for immigrants? | 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+ __This week we talk about the government backtracking on some of its most heavily criticised immigration reforms and what it means for immigrants in Sweden.We also discuss this year’s winner of Melodifestivalen, Felicia, an artist with a colourful back story who’s set to represent Sweden at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.For Membership+ subscribers we look at why April could be a good month for your personal finances in Sweden.Finally we’ll bring you the latest on what we know about which professions are going to be exempted from increased work permit salary requirements.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:Immigration'They came to their senses': Readers react to Sweden's deportation u-turnSweden's government backs down on deportations in migration u-turnMusicSweden's Eurovision entry in hot water after Israel commentsMoneyWhy April could be a good month for your Swedish financesSwedish citizenshipREVEALED: Migration Agency readies slimmed Swedish work visa shortlist Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/11/26 | Stricter immigration 'will make Sweden less attractive' for game workers | Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ __In this week’s episode The Local’s editor Emma Löfgren speaks with Johanna Nylander, acting head of the Swedish Games Industry Association (Dataspelsbranschen).Games are one of Sweden’s biggest exports and a lot of skilled foreign workers have made their way to Sweden to work in the industry.But with the government pushing through citizenship reforms without transitional rules, does Sweden risk becoming a less attractive destination for the international workers the games industry needs?READ ALSO:Swedish games boss warns 'retroactive' citizenship reforms 'not good for industry' Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/7/26 | How is Sweden reacting to US and Israeli attacks on Iran? | 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+ __ This week we talk about how Sweden’s government – and Iranians in Sweden – have been reacting to ongoing US and Israeli attacks in Iran.We also discuss increasing rumblings of discontent on the Swedish right over strict immigration policies that some feel have gone too far.For Membership+ subscribers we ask how much your personality changes when you switch to Swedish. Finally we examine if it’s possible for citizenship applicants to prove their Swedish civics knowledge before a new law comes into force in June.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:Middle East crisis Politics in Sweden: Sweden needs to get off the fence on Iran – but how?What we know so far about plans to stop forcing 'track changers' to leave SwedenImmigrationLots has happened since we recorded the podcast. Here are the latest updates: Sweden's government backs down on deportations in migration u-turnSweden's Council on Legislation criticises retroactive citizenship rulesAnd here are the interviews with Douglas Thor and Fredrik Kopsch: Moderate youth leader confident of solution for Sweden's teen deportationsDoes Sweden need an 'integration amnesty' to stop deportations?Swedish languageOPINION: Your personality changes when you speak another language, but that’s not always a bad thingSwedish citizenshipThey contribute to Swedish society: Now the government is changing the rules Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 3/4/26 | 'Sweden is setting itself up for a losing battle' on skilled immigration | This week’s episode features an interview about the lack of transitional rules in Sweden’s proposed new citizenship law.The Local’s deputy editor Becky Waterton speaks to Patrick Gallen, a spokesperson for the grassroots organisation Fair Transition. Why is the group so adamant that Sweden should not move the goalposts for citizenship applicants who applied long before the Swedish government decided to revamp the citizenship law,?And why does he believe that the lack of transition rules risks making Sweden less competitive.READ ALSO:Can this campaign group change the Swedish government's mind on citizenship?OPINION: 'Sweden's parliament should add transitional rules to the citizenship law'Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 2/28/26 | Why a legal watchdog slammed Sweden's citizenship plan | 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+ This week we talk about whether the recent Swedish media pushback against teen deportations is affecting how the government is approaching immigration in the last few months before the election.We also discuss heavy criticism of Sweden’s planned new citizenship law by a legal oversight body.For Membership+ subscribers we explain how Swedish birthday traditions work.Finally we ask what the government’s plan to restrict benefits for immigrants means for newcomers to the country.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:Teen deportationsThree years after The Local, Sweden wakes up to teen deportationsSwedish citizenshipOPINION: 'Sweden's parliament should add transitional rules to the citizenship law'Sweden's Council on Legislation criticises retroactive citizenship rulesSwedish traditionsHow to survive a children's birthday party in SwedenImmigrationWhat does Sweden's plan to restrict benefits for newcomers mean for work permit holders? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 2/24/26 | Sweden's teen deportations: 'It feels like they wanted him to turn 18 so they could reject him' | Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSweden 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+ __In this week’s episode The Local’s Nordic editor Richard Orange interviews Ximena Ramos Salas and her husband Nelson Loyola about the pending deportation of their son Andres.Ximena grew up in Sweden and the family moved back from Canada in 2018 to be with her terminally ill mother in Skåne.Her son, who has severe ADHD, has dropped out of his adult education classes as a result of the stress and anxiety brought on by the decision to deport him."There's no way we're gonna send him back alone. He is fully dependent on us."READ ALSO:'If I’d known, I wouldn't have come': How Sweden's teen deportations deter skilled workersSwedish government to look at allowing teen deportees to graduate Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | — | ||||||
| 2/21/26 | Deportation order for 8-month-old baby shocks 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+ This week we talk about a deportation order issued to an eight-year-old infant that has shocked Sweden.In lighter news, we’ll ask why one Swedish town wants more of its inhabitants to get intimate during work hours.__For Membership+ subscribers we dig into the first figures on voluntary repatriation after the government offered a large grant to get more people who came to Sweden as refugees to leave the country.Finally we look at the history of sportlov, Sweden’s annual spring break, and we give advice on how to make best use of the holiday.Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, as well as a late cameo from Richard's children. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:ImmigrationOutrage after Swedish Migration Agency orders baby to be deportedOver 270 foreigners apply for 350,000 kronor grant to leave SwedenWorking in SwedenHow you can get your Swedish employer to pay for your gym membershipWork permitsEverything you need to know about skiing on 'sportlov' in Sweden 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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