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Sweden in Focus

The Local

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 James Savage chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local Sweden’s Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange and Mandy Pipher. 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.

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  • 37 episodes
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  • English

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  • #373
    Yesterday · 44 min

    Who’ll yield first in Sweden’s political chicken race?

    Magdalena Andersson was acclaimed as the winner of Sweden’s election. Four parties – adding up to a majority – said they wanted her to be prime minister, and she was charged by the speaker with forming a government. Yet on Monday she threw in the towel. The immediate pretext was the decision by the Left Party to support the re-election of speaker Andreas Norlén, a Moderate, over the Social Democrats’ own candidate. But it followed two weeks in which Andersson had failed to get the Centre Party, Left Party and Greens to so much as take a cup of coffee with each other. Now it’s up to the speaker to find someone else willing to have a go. Host James Savage is joined this week by panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Not yet a member of The Local? Join now with this special offer for podcast listeners. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Politics Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson abandons attempt to form a government Strategy or spite? Why is Magda giving up on forming Sweden's next government? EXPLAINED: What needs to happen for Sweden to get a new prime minister? From the obvious to the unthinkable: Nine options for Sweden's government Brexit 'But what are the rules?': My interview with the Swedish Migration Agency's legal chief Thumbnail photo: Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar and Centre Party leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist take part in a party leader discussion hosted by RFSL during Stockholm Pride. Photo: Stefan Jerrevång/TT Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #372
    Tuesday · 23 min

    ‘Disturbing’ waiting times irrelevant in key Swedish citizenship ruling

    Not yet a member of The Local? Join now with this special offer for podcast listeners. Sweden's government tightened rules for citizenship earlier this year without transitional rules for people who had already applied. The new rules require eight years of residency instead of five for most applicants, and would-be citizens must now pass language and civics tests. The Migration Court in Malmö looked very closely recently at a case in which an applicant appealed for their right to be awarded citizenship according to the old rules. But the court ruled against the citizenship applicant in a blow to people who had waited in the queue and were hoping to become Swedish citizens under the rules that were in place at the time of application. Some hope was restored however when the judge told The Local's Richard Orange that an appeal to a higher court could succeed. In this week's episode you can hear an excerpt from the interview with Judge Löndahl we well as a studio discussion about the case and what happens next. Host James Savage is joined this week by panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. READ ALSO: Chief judge expects Swedish citizenship case to head to highest migration court INTERVIEW: 'The last word has not yet been said on Swedish citizenship' Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #371
    September 25 · 35 min

    How bad is Sweden's Left Party voting scandal?

    In this week's podcast: Electoral fraud allegations, complex coalition building, Candy Crush maker faces strike action, and how do Swedes say 'Digestive biscuit'? Negotiations between the centre-left parties are ongoing after they won a wafer thin majority in last week’s election. But now a voter fraud scandal involving the Left Party threatens to derail the whole process. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the election of a Left Party Member of Parliament in the Dalarna region. What do know about the allegations so far? And could the scandal lead to a revote? Host James Savage is joined this week by panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Not yet a member of The Local? Join now with this special offer for podcast listeners. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Electoral fraud scandal Swedish Left Party leader finally speaks on election fraud allegations Swedish Election Authority criticises ballot paper system Newly elected MP steps aside amid Swedish electoral fraud probe Politics EXPLAINED: What needs to happen for Sweden to get a new prime minister? Behind closed doors, Sweden's Left and Centre parties are still miles apart Working in Sweden UPDATE: Strike threat lifted as Candy Crush maker signs collective agreement More unions join pending strike at Swedish Candy Crush maker Q&A: Why Swedish unions are launching a strike at the games maker King Zara Larsson clip credit: Heart Radio Thumbnail photo: Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar. Magnus Hjalmarson Neideman/SVD/TT Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #370
    September 22 · 12 min

    'The Migration Agency told me I'd likely be denied re-entry into Sweden'

    In this week’s Sweden in Focus Extra, The Local's Mandy Pipher tells us about the bureaucratic nightmare surrounding her recent trip to Canada. Living in Sweden on a residence permit can be a risky business, not least given that almost everyone who does so has strong connections to another country and needs to travel frequently. But if your residency card is in the process of being renewed while you're travelling, you risk being shut out of Sweden on your return. In this episode, host James Savage talks to podcast regular Mandy Pipher about her struggles ahead of a recent trip home to Canada. READ ALSO: OPINION: Yes, Swedish immigrants vote in their own interests – just like other voters Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #369
    September 17 · 42 min

    Did immigrants really swing Sweden's election?

    This week: Final election results, far right blames immigrants for loss, and what the election outcome means for foreigners in Sweden. 200,000 foreigners who have become Swedish citizens are to blame for Sweden’s tiny swing to the left – and in particular for the losses suffered by the Sweden Democrats. That’s the claim being made by the party as it grapples with a surprise electoral reverse in Sunday’s election. But is it accurate to say that immigrants won this election for the Left? 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: 2026 Swedish election Kristersson resigns as PM after Sweden's centre-left opposition wins election Jimmie Åkesson reportedly plans break if Sweden Democrats enter opposition OPINION: The misunderstood Centre Party could learn from Ebba Busch 'It's tighter than I thought': How do foreigners in Sweden feel about the election? What does Sweden's unexpectedly close election result mean for foreigners? Swedish government scenarios: What happens now? Thumbnail on Spotify: Social Democrat party leader Magdalena Andersson and party secretary Tobias Baudin celebrate with supporter on election night. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #368
    September 16 · 17 min

    'Sweden's Centre Party is actually in a very weak bargaining position'

    All three parties in the governing coalition increased their vote share while the Sweden Democrats lost ground. On the left, meanwhile, the Social Democrats had a terrible election, while all the other parties had something to celebrate. So why did the government parties do better than expected? What went wrong for the two biggest parties on the right and left? And what is Sweden's next government likely to look like? Nicholas Aylott, associate politics professor at Södertörn University, gives his views in a conversation with The Local's Richard Orange. READ ALSO: Centre Party 'ready to start talks' with Social Democrats on new Swedish government Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #367
    September 14 · 26 min

    Sweden's election is over. Now what?

    In this week’s Sweden in Focus Extra our panelists try to make sense of a dizzying election night. Sweden’s election threw up some major surprises on Sunday night. The Liberals cleared the parliamentary threshold by a respectable margin having languished way beneath the four percent limit ever since the last election. The Social Democrats are seemingly on course for their worst election ever – but leader Magdalena Andersson could still be headed for a second stint as Sweden’s prime minister. The incumbent, Ulf Kristersson, meanwhile can breathe a sigh of relief as his Moderate Party regained its position as Sweden’s second biggest party. Their rise came at the expense of the Sweden Democrats, whose vote share dropped for the first time ever in a national election. But what does it all mean for the business of forming a new government? Host James Savage is joined this week by podcast regulars Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. READ ALSO: What does Sweden's unexpectedly close election result mean for foreigners? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #366
    September 11 · 43 min

    Billionaires weigh in as Sweden goes to the polls

    This week: Joy for Liberals as support swells, Sweden Democrats and Left Party hit by scandals, immigration in focus in TV debate, billionaires duel over which side to back, and poor school results throw a spanner in the works. Two of Sweden’s wealthiest people, Jacob Wallenberg and Martin Lorentzon, warned in the Financial Times this week about the risks of a left-wing government. Another, Robert Weil, shot back, saying he was more concerned about “an ethno-nationalist and authoritarian policy where the issue of migration is allowed to dominate at the expense of other issues and interests." Meanwhile, the Liberals are poised to clear the 4 percent threshold they need to get into parliament, according to a new Novus poll showing that the party had leapt from 1.9 percent to 5.8 percent. The poll follows others that showed significant gains for the Liberals after months in which the party has languished well under the threshold, leaving many commentators to all but write off their chances – and those of Ulf Kristersson’s government. On Sunday we'll find out if the Prime Minister's coalition has done enough to claw their way back or if Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson gets a second bite at the top job. 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: 2026 Swedish election Swedish election blog: Who will govern Sweden after September 13th? Swedish Liberal Party soars over parliamentary threshold in new poll Politics in Sweden: Immigration is on the agenda, but the debate is surreal Top Swedish investor slams Wallenberg's 'shameful' election scaremongering Russian partner of top Sweden Democrat accused of pro-Putin posts OPINION: Has Jimmie Åkesson been playing the Swedish media like a fiddle? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #365
    September 9 · 36 min

    LISTEN: What are the Sweden Democrats' plans for immigrants in Sweden?

    Today's episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with Ludvig Aspling, migration spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats. This week we are turning a spotlight on the two parties most likely to shape Sweden’s immigration policy after the September 13th election. Yesterday we heard from Ida Karkiainen, the Social Democrats’ immigration spokesperson. Today we’ll hear a conversation The Local's Richard Orange had with her counterpart from the Sweden Democrats, Ludvig Aspling. This interview took place in early August, a week before parliament voted on a so-called ‘safety valve’ to end teen deportations, which is one of the topics discussed in the episode. The Sweden Democrats were long a pariah in Swedish politics due to their Nazi roots. But as the largest party on the right in the 2022 election they emerged as one of the main architects of the Tidö agreement underpinning the government’s so-called paradigm shift on immigration over the past four years. The shift has seen Sweden get much tougher on asylum immigration, work and residence permits and citizenship, with many of the policies directly impacting a lot of readers of The Local. With that in mind, make sure to tune in to this week’s main episode of Sweden in Focus, which we expect to come out on Friday, for discussion and analysis of these interviews with the main immigration spokespeople for two of Sweden’s biggest rival parties. So what can foreigners in Sweden expect if the right holds on to power after the election on Sunday and the Sweden Democrats receive ministerial posts for the first time, and how happy is Ludvig Aspling with how Sweden’s immigration landscape has changed over the last four years? Tune in for the full interview. READ ALSO: 'If you came to work in Sweden because of relaxed citizenship rules, I don’t want you' Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #364
    September 8 · 35 min

    LISTEN: What are the Social Democrats' plans for immigrants in Sweden?

    This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with Ida Karkiainen, migration spokesperson for the Social Democrats. With the Swedish election just days away, the podcast this week features conversations The Local's Richard Orange had recently with two of the people in with a strong chance of becoming Sweden’s next migration minister: Ida Karkiainen of the Social Democrats and Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats. First up: Ida Karkiainen. She is immigration spokesperson for the Social Democrats, and with her party tipped to lead Sweden’s next government we wanted to find out what direction Sweden would take on immigration under their leadership. The Social Democrats have been broadly on board with many of the changes to migration law ushered in by the current government but they have also been critical of a number of issues, such at how the government has handled the teen deportation scandal and its failure to allow transitional rules for citizenship applicants. Tune in for the full interview. READ ALSO: 'We don't want people who are integrated in Sweden to be forced to leave' Social Democrats plan huge inquiry to clean up Swedish immigration law Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #363
    September 4 · 38 min

    Sweden's election is turning into a nail-biter

    This week: Right closing the gap on Sweden's left-wing opposition, party pledges explained, and could an extremist in Örebro get into the Riksdag? Oh, and fermented herring season is upon us. A poll released this week showed the Sweden's government further closing the gap on the opposition. An election that looked like a foregone conclusion is now anything but. 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: 2026 Swedish election Swedish opposition parties' lead collapses in shock new poll KEY POINTS: How party election pledges could affect foreigners in Sweden Politics in Sweden: The small-town demagogue aiming for a Riksdag spot Food & Drink What you need to know before trying Sweden's fermented herring Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #362
    August 28 · 47 min

    Why the Sweden Democrats refuse to rescue their Liberal allies

    This week: Sweden in shock after school sword attack, Sweden Democrats say no to tactical voting, Migration Agency weighs in on Brexit deportations, and what do foreign parents find strange about Swedish schools? Host James Savage is joined this week by panelists Emma Löfgren and Becky Waterton. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: 2026 Swedish election Liberal leader begs for tactical votes Early voting opens in Sweden – 18 days before election Sweden's right-wing bloc gains ground in new polls as election nears Crime Second man held over fatal Fagersta school attack Brexit 'Ripped from a loved one': British-Swedish couple separated by Brexit deportation 'Brexit can hardly have come as a surprise': Sweden defends expelling Brits Schools What foreign parents think of schools 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.

  • #361
    August 25 · 36 min

    'Want scientists to stay in Sweden? Don't kick them out in the first place'

    For a recent article on the real-life effects of Sweden's immigration laws on families in Sweden, The Local's Mandy Pipher spoke with a Swedish-American couple who are both biological scientists and living in Uppsala. The pair met a decade ago when Anna-Karin moved to Chicago for a postdoctoral position in immunology and flu vaccine research. Chris, also a biologist, was finishing his immunology PhD at the same university. Three years later, when Anna-Karin was moving back to Sweden for another work opportunity, the two were a committed couple, and they made plans for Chris to follow to Sweden as soon as possible. By the summer of 2021, Chris was on his way to Sweden with a job offer from Karolinska, Sweden's prestigious medical research institute in hand. But despite have a Swedish spouse, owning a home together in Sweden, speaking Swedish, and doing years of valuable work at one of Sweden's top research institutes, Chris was given just days to leave the country or risk being served with a Schengen area entry ban. READ ALSO: 'I felt betrayed by my country': Swedish scientist blasts treatment of US husband Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #360
    August 21 · 45 min

    How hard is it to find a job in Sweden with a foreign name?

    In this week's episode: Sweden Democrats campaign hard, Brexit deportations, citizenship tests and the "caterpillar from hell". With just over three weeks to go until Sweden’s election, the campaign is intensifying. But reaching voters is trickier than usual this year thanks to new EU limits on political advertising. This might explain an explosion of political posters, sponsored buses and creative political rallies. 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: 2026 Swedish election Swedish bus operator removes anti-immigration ads after drivers call in sick Centre Party bets on Tidö bloc collapse to open door for new coalition Working in Sweden Men with foreign names hit hardest by hiring bias in Sweden Brexit OPINION: The EU is betraying Brexit Brits in Sweden Health 'Caterpillar from hell' moth found in Sweden – but biologist says no need to panic Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #359
    August 18 · 32 min

    'I'll do everything I can to stay in Sweden because this is our home'

    Gustav Magnuson and Luisa Fernandez met in Costa Rica in 2018 when Gustav was there on a cycling trip of Central and South America. The two felt such a strong and immediate connection that Gustav never made it farther south on his cycling tour. Instead, he stayed with Louisa in San Jose. A few years later the two were married and are now living in Stockholm with their one-year-old child. In an interview with The Local's Mandy Pipher they explain how Swedish immigration law is affecting their family life and their peace of mind. READ ALSO: 'I feel shame and rage': Immigration clampdown hits Swedes close to home Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #358
    August 14 · 41 min

    Why Sweden's parties are appealing to voters' wallets

    This was the week in which the Swedish election campaign started to take some kind of shape. If the focus in 2022 was all crime and immigration, this time it looks like the economy is taking centre stage. What are the big differences between the parties, and what might all this mean for how the election develops? We also look this week at revelations about spies’ activities in Sweden and we ask why Swedish authorities went public with this right now. Also, Richard has been digging into teen deportations – and has discovered that the problem is more widespread that the Swedish media previously reported. And is Hollywood actor Joel Kinnaman right to claim that Swedish attitudes to drugs are hopelessly out of date? 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: 2026 Swedish election Sweden's Centre Party won't support Social Democrats if they keep sick day promise Sweden's Moderates outline 70 billion kronor savings to fund election pledges Sweden's Social Democrats promise extra child benefits for holidays Teen deportations Sweden’s teen deportations were far more widespread than reported Drugs OPINION: Sweden needs politicians who stand up for sin Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E357
    August 7 · 55 min

    Quislings and crayfish: Sweden gears up for a crazy autumn

    Sweden in Focus is back! James Savage, Richard Orange and Mandy Pipher look chew over the latest from Sweden, including: Scandal hits Sweden Democrats and Left Party Is tipping now the norm in Sweden? How do you eat a crayfish? The Sweden Democrats' Ludvig Aspling tells us why he thinks high-skilled immigrants don't care about citizenship. Articles discussed in this episode: 'I feel shame and rage': Immigration clampdown hits Swedes close to home (interview with Gustav and Luisa) 'I felt betrayed by my country': Swedish scientist blasts treatment of US husband (Interview with Anna-Karin and Chris) Sweden's opposition hope to vote down two-year wait for family reunion (interview with Annika Hirvonen) Swedish Left Party MP apologises for 'accidental' support message to terrorist Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #356
    July 25 · 21 min

    What this US chef loves about Swedish food

    What does an American chef notice when he transplants himself to Sweden? John Klopson, known as Lost Chef in Sweden on Instagram and TikTok, talks to James Savage of his love for Swedish bread and dairy, and asks why Swedes use so much salt. 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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