Sweden in Focus

How does someone who grew up in a Stockholm suburb become the leader of a traditionally agrarian party? Why is the party opposed to new work permit rules? And what's it like being Sweden's first culturally Muslim party leader? This and more in our interview with Centre Party leader Muharrem Demirok.In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s publisher James Savage for a wide-ranging interview with the leader of the Centre Party, Muharrem Demirok. __Sign up now for Membership+ 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.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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__In this week's episode: Centre Party leader Muharrem Demirok on how Nato membership will change Sweden. Also, who'll win Melodifestivalen? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, while James Savage and Paul interview the Centre Party leader Muharrem Demirok. Here are links to some of the topics in the episode:MelodifestivalenWhy Melodifestivalen is Sweden's biggest TV showNatoWhat does Nato membership mean for Sweden? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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__In this week's episode: Reactions from Russia as Sweden creeps closer to Nato, Sweden’s support for Ukraine, the lowdown on Vasaloppet. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and James Savage. Here are links to some of the stories and topics we discuss:NatoWhat does Nato membership mean for Sweden?Russia threatens 'countermeasures' over Sweden's Nato membershipPodcast: Is Sweden prepared for cyber attacks?UkraineSweden to send its largest-yet military aid package to Ukraine Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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__In this week's episode: how Sweden will change when it’s in Nato, why the country has an annual book sale, what you need to know about pensions in Sweden.Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the stories and topics we discuss:NatoWhat happens next for Sweden's Nato application?Books Language and literature: Essential articles for life in SwedenPensionsTen key questions to help you plan your Swedish pension now Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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+ accessRead more about Membership+ in our help centre___In this bonus episode we speak to Gemma Swift, a marketing professional from the UK who explains how she managed to make great friends in Sweden despite warnings from fellow foreigners that her efforts might end in disappointment. Host Paul O’Mahony is briefly joined by panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange, before we listen to the interview with Gemma Swift. Gemma wrote an article last year that was well received by readers of The Local so we thought we'd get her to expand on some of her points. Here's the article: How to make friends in Sweden – seven things I wish someone had told me Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up now for Membership+ 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__This week: a Swedish word for February illnesses, hitting the ski slopes, devastating Liseberg blaze, changing of the guard in the Green Party, why a Social Democrat MP with Palestinian heritage became an independent, Swedish prisons in crisis mode, and what we know so far about new salary requirements for work permit holders. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the stories and topics we discuss:VabruariSwedish word of the day: vabruariSkiingEverything you need to know about skiing on 'sportlov' in SwedenLiseberg fireHuge fire destroys new attraction at Gothenburg's Liseberg amusement parkSadly, this news came through the day after we recorded the podcast:Dead body found after fire at Gothenburg's Liseberg amusement parkPoliticsJoint leader of Sweden's Green Party announces resignationOPINION: El-Haj faced the same dilemma as all immigrant politicians in SwedenPrison crisisSwedish prison service declares 'crisis' amid cell shortageWork permitsIN BRIEF: Sweden's plans to raise work permit salary threshold to 34,200 kronor Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do many foreigners find dating in Sweden so tough, and what's the approach to take? Hear matchmaker Lemarc Thomas give his views on how to crack the Swedish dating scene. In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is briefly joined by panelists James Savage and Becky Waterton, before we listen to an interview with professional matchmaker Lemarc Thomas.  The Stockholm-based connector tells us what makes dating in Sweden so different from anything he's experienced before. He also answers questions from readers of The Local on how to proceed in a landscape where many of the usual rules no longer apply.  If you'd like to read more about dating in Sweden, make sure to check out these articles:Dating in Sweden: sex, booze and mobile phonesDating in Sweden: Is it really as tough as they say?Dating in Sweden: When is a fika a fika… and when is it a date? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: semla season, better conditions for Ukrainian refugees, why Sweden is closing its NordStream blast probe, freezer malfunction spoils decades of samples at a Swedish university, an alleged Iranian plot to kill Jews in Sweden, anti-Semitism in Sweden, and new details on stop-and-search zones. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and James Savage. We also have interview with Aron Verständig, chair of the Official Council of Swedish Jewish Communities, and ethnologist Jonas Engman, curator at the Nordic Museum. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:Shrove TuesdaySix sticky facts about Sweden's Fat TuesdayWhy I still don't understand the hype about Sweden's semlorSweden & UkraineSweden to change law so Ukrainians can get personal numbersNord StreamSwedish prosecutor shuts down Nord Stream investigationScience & ResearchDecades of samples destroyed in Swedish uni freezer failureAnti-SemitismIranian intelligence suspected of plot to kill Swedish JewsCrimeSweden's government to bring in stop-and-search zones in March Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: tougher rules for Sweden citizenship, French President Emanuel Macron's state visit to Sweden, new work permit system takes effect, and why Sweden needs to do more to promote understanding of indigenous Sami.Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Becky Waterton, and we also have an interview with Charlotta Svonni, who conducts research on indigenous education at Umeå University.Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:CitizenshipEXPLAINED: How to get Swedish citizenship via notificationSweden moves to tighten up requirements for citizenship via notificationCan I apply for Swedish citizenship through ancestry?PoliticsSweden and France to sign nuclear and defence deals during Macron visit‘Vive les clichés!’: Swedish PM mocked for Macron welcomeIN PICS: French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to SwedenWhat is ‘pyttipanna’ and why is Sweden serving it up to the French president?Work permitsSwedish Migration Agency launches new system for handling work permitsSami Sweden’s ‘Truth Commission’ delves into painful Sami past‘Irreversible risks’: UN-appointed experts urge Sweden to block mine in Sami landWhy is reindeer herding so important in Sweden?Swedish museum to return Sami remains to village Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: Ice bathing, Turkey's parliament votes on Sweden's Nato bid, top Sweden Democrat calls for ban on Islamic symbols, Sweden's complicated relationship with wolves, and how a cyber attack hit Swedish authorities and retailers.Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and James Savage, and we also have an interview with Shahid Raza, who is Director of RISE Cybersecurity Unit, Research Director at Cybercampus Sweden and Professor of Cybersecurity at Mälardalen University.Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:Ice bathing Ice-swimming in Sweden: Is this the world’s most extreme competition?NatoTurkey’s president signed off on the ratification of Sweden’s Nato application a few hours after we recorded the episode, nullifying some speculation that we opted to leave out. Turkey approves Sweden’s Nato application as Erdogan signs ratificationSwedish Prime Minister ‘won’t negotiate’ with Hungary on Nato bidEXPLAINED: What happens next for Sweden’s Nato application?PoliticsTop Sweden Democrat: No paradigm shift yet in Swedish migrationOpposition calls for Sweden Democrat to resign over Mohammed tweetWolvesWolf caught on camera in StockholmWild boar thrive while Sweden targets ‘mythical’ wolfCyberattackSome Swedish shops start to reopen after hacker attackRussian group behind hacker attack on Swedish authorities and retailers Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: why the centre-right has hit a new low in polls, cocaine at the Riskdag, the effects of growing unemployment and falling inflation, why opposition parties failed to depose Sweden's environment minister in a confidence vote, and why public sector workers are fuming over workplace coffee cuts. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:Politics Cocaine found in toilets of four Swedish parties' parliamentary officesHow did Sweden end up with its zero-tolerance attitude to drugs?EconomySwedish finance minister warns more people will lose their jobsNew figures bring Swedish inflation close to two-percent targetWeatherSweden records coldest temperature of the centuryCoffeeHow to be Swedish – in ten easy stepsWhy coffee was banned in Sweden five timesSwedish word of the day: påtår Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we discuss: the official end of Christmas, snow-fueled chaos on the E22 motorway, royal abdication speculation, and why politicians and military leaders are warning of the prospect of war in Sweden. Richard Orange stands in as host this week and is joined by regular panelists: Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren.  Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:End of ChristmasWhen does Christmas end in Sweden?Swedish word of the day: julgransplundringSnow chaosUp to 1,000 cars left stranded for hours in southern Sweden snow chaosINTERVIEW: Truck driver freed from Sweden's snow gridlock after 20 hoursRoyalsWill the King of Sweden be the next Nordic royal to abdicate?DefenceTotal Defence: What's your role defending Sweden in the event of a military attack?What should foreigners in Sweden think about when preparing for a war or crisis?Swedish defence analyst: 'We should be worried about war in Sweden''There could be war in Sweden': Civil Defence Minister urges Swedes to actPM Ulf Kristersson: 'If you don't want to defend Sweden – don't be a Swedish citizen'Sweden's opposition leader slams prime minister over 'uniquely divisive' comments Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we take a look at the stories likely to shape Sweden in 2024, from politics and Nato to minority rights, Eurovision, and the economy. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined for the preview of 2024 by all our regular panelists: James Savage, Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren.  Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:PoliticsWhat will happen in Swedish politics in 2024?NatoTurkey links Nato ratification of Sweden to F-16 fighter jet saleReader predictions'We're losing the life we built in Sweden': Work permit holders dread uncertain futureEurovisionHotels, tickets and scams: What to know about visiting Malmö for Eurovision 2024Immigrant rightsForeigners in Sweden: How the migration paradigm shift affects our livesEconomyWhat's going to happen to the Swedish economy in 2024? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we look back at the biggest news stories in Sweden in 2023, from quran burnings and a heightened terror threat to Nato wrangling, the King's jubilee, and new income requirements for work permit holders.Host Paul O’Mahony is joined for the review of the year by all our regular panelists: James Savage, Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren.  Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:PoliticsThe 20 events that formed Sweden's political landscape in 2023NatoTurkey links Nato ratification of Sweden to F-16 fighter jet saleTerror threatWhat you need to know about Sweden's terror threatGang violence 'Our kids don't even live long enough to become adults'Salary threshold'We're losing the life we built in Sweden': Work permit holders dread uncertain futureKing's jubileeIN PICTURES: Swedes throng capital for royal jubilee Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: Christmas travel, birds attack giant straw goat, White Christmas dreams, rumours of a new political party, and what can immigrants do to increase their prospects of landing a job in Sweden? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's James Savage and Becky Waterton, and we also have an interview with Amanda Herzog, an American marketing expert who runs a company offering courses to international job seekers.Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:Christmas travelWhat to be aware of when travelling in Sweden this ChristmasGävle goatSweden's Gävle goat is Christmas dinner for peckish birdsGOATWATCH: Here's how you can livestream Sweden's Christmas goatWeatherIs Sweden heading for a white Christmas?PoliticsWhat will happen in Swedish politics in 2024?Working in SwedenIf skilled foreigners can't find work, does Sweden have a talent shortage? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: banks cut rates, the state of Sweden’s democracy, new Pisa rankings, how child refugees have integrated, the ex-Syrian banker behind a successful hummus restaurant, government counts cost of migration, compulsory courses for newcomers, Lucia, Nobel banquet.Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's James Savage and Emma Löfgren.Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:EconomyWhich Swedish banks now offer the cheapest mortgage rates?PoliticsIs Sweden sliding towards autocracy one year on from the election?LISTEN: Does Sweden's new coalition deal threaten basic rights?EducationSwedish students' maths and reading scores plunge in Pisa world rankingsImmigrationIN DATA: Why have so many of Sweden's Afghan child refugees got jobs?Syrian banker applied for 'over 2,000' jobs in Sweden before creating his ownSweden's government calls for investigation into cost of immigrationWhat do we know about plans to make a compulsory 'Sweden course' for immigrants?Saint LuciaWhat you need to know about celebrating Lucia in SwedenNobel banquetThe dinner that proves Sweden is anything but lagom Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: Jimmie Åkesson talks about demolishing mosques, the latest on the Tesla strike, Sweden’s Advent celebrations, solutions journalism, and why some criminologists think it’s time for Sweden to ditch zero tolerance on drugs.Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Lögren and Richard Orange.Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:Tesla strikeInside Sweden: How will the Tesla strike end?Tesla sues Swedish state agency over number plate blockageAdvent Julmys: How to get into the Christmas spirit like a SwedeSwedish word of the day: adventSolutions journalismSeven things we've learned about adding a solutions focus to reporting on migrationAs Europe comes out of lockdown, what lessons can be learned from Sweden?Drugs INTERVIEW: The past, present and future of Sweden's zero-tolerance drug policySweden DemocratsSweden Democrat leader calls for mosques to be demolishedWhy Sweden's far-right leader is showing his radical sideWhy the Sweden Democrats are still a far-right partyLISTEN: How the Sweden Democrats are flirting with the extreme rightARCHIVE: Islam 'Sweden's biggest threat': far-right leaderSwedish habitsHow to handle these 10 maddeningly Swedish passive-aggressive habits Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, and we also have an interview with Northern Lights tour operator Chad Blakley.___Sign up for IoT Talks 2023. Presented by Tele2 IoT___Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:Eurovision How to get tickets for Eurovision in MalmöHow much can I charge if I rent out my home on Airbnb in Sweden?Permanent residency EXPLAINED: What do we know about Sweden’s plans to withdraw permanent residency?Flat hierarchies OPINION: Why Sweden’s flat hierarchy can make people seem boringLife expectancy IN DATA: Why do people in Stockholm live the longest lives in Scandinavia?Northern Lights‘I found the American dream in Swedish Lapland’How to take the best pictures of the Northern LightsPoliticsLeft Party and Sweden Democrat congressesHow to take the best pictures of the Northern LightsCost of LivingSweden’s central bank leaves interest rate unchangedSwedish food prices 26 percent higher than two years ago – which items are worst affected?How much will life in Sweden cost you in 2024? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode: practical Swedes, saying hej to strangers, dithering Liberals, Sweden awaits central bank decision, climate movement split over Greta Thunberg's Palestine support, how Swedish attitudes to Israel-Palestine have changed over the years. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange, and we also have an interview with the author and former ambassador Mathias Mossberg.Here are links to some of the stories we discuss:Fitting inTen signs you’re becoming more Swedish than the SwedesSaying hiSwedish city launches campaign to get locals to say ‘hi’PoliticsFamily in focus as Busch kicks off November congressesGreta ThunbergGreta Thunberg slammed over pro-Palestinian statements at climate rallyIsrael-Hamas warHow the Israel-Gaza attacks became party 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.