As sports car maker Koenigsegg reverses out of its takeover deal, GM-owned Saab is increasingly being viewed by analysts as a company without a future. It aims to be a volume producer, but last year produced just 93,000 vehicles - a tiny number by global standards.
It sounded like a plot from a Bond film: a completely bald aristocratic inventor, sitting in his lair in a converted aircraft hangar, plotting the takeover of a huge chunk of the country's industrial heritage. The plan by supercar maker Christian von Koenigsegg to buy troubled Swedish carmaker Saab brought the dreamers and the cynics out in equal numbers.
<b>When Australian George Pesor's children were abducted by their mother on a visit to Sweden, police searched for six months without success. But when Pesor flew to Sweden and took matters into his own hands, he solved the case in just a week.</b>
A prominent Swedish MP has insisted that she is not trying to use the European Union's Lisbon Treaty to impose liberal abortion laws on Catholic countries like Ireland, which will vote on whether to accept the treaty in a referendum this autumn. She just wants a proper debate, she says.
<b>It’s the largest gay pride event in northern Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Sweden, Europe and the world. Part party, part political demonstration, Pride has truly become a highlight of Stockholm's summer calendar.</b>
<b>British author Andrew Brown talks to James Savage about living in Sweden in the seventies, fishing, and how immigration has changed the country.</b>
Situated on dozens of small islands, Stockholm is a city of water. The Local gives you tips on how to make the most of the Swedish capital’s greatest resource.
It’s the city that gave the world gay icons like Abba and Greta Garbo, so the fact that Stockholm is becoming a favourite destination of gay tourists should be no surprise. Stockholm’s tradition of tolerance and openness means it never developed a gay ghetto, so gay life is integrated into the life of the rest of the city.
Whatever you’re shopping for, the Swedish capital has something for you. An achingly fashion-conscious city, Stockholm is the perfect place to while away the hours drifting from trendy boutique to trendy boutique. For aficionados of sleek, minimalist Scandinavian design, there are great finds to be made. For foodies, Stockholm’s historic market halls are gourmet heaven. This guide will be constantly updated and expanded –if you know of an establishment you think we should include, tell us!
<b>Award-winning Irish stand-up comedian Dylan Moran heads to Sweden next week, where he will perform in Stockholm and Gothenburg. The Local gave him a call.</b>
Daniel Westling, fiancé of Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria, has undergone a kidney transplant, the Royal Palace in Stockholm has said. The donor was his father, Olle Westling.
Ask most Swedes of their idea of an idyllic summer, they won’t talk of the beaches of the south of France or villas in Capri. But then why would they want to leave Sweden when have a stunning coastline on their doorstep, speckled with tens of thousands of picture-perfect islands?
<b>In a time of severe economic crisis, the European Union is fortunate to have Sweden taking up the presidential reins this summer, British Ambassador to Sweden Andrew Mitchell tells The Local's James Savage.</b>
<b>A resplendent 19th century palace with a distinctly Mediterranean feel, Hallwyl House in Stockholm is an architectural gem well worth adding to the tourist itinerary, writes James Savage.</b>
The engagement of Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling has underlined, rather surprisingly, that Sweden is still a society that divides along class lines.
Ask The Local: <b>We have left Sweden and moved back to Ireland, selling our Swedish apartment. Since we won't be returning to live in Sweden, do we have to pay capital gains tax? John, County Galway, Ireland.</b>
<b>How difficult is it to become self employed? I have a part time job but hope to get more work on a project basis and that employer will want an invoice. Do I have to create a company? Stella, Stockholm.</b>
<b>Governments in other countries guarantee your savings if your bank collapses. Does this happen in Sweden, and if so how does the system work? Jenny, Gothenburg.</b>
<b>I own an apartment in Stockholm, which I have been renting out since the beginning of the year, when I moved back to the UK. Now, the board of my apartment building (the bostadsrättsförening), says they will no longer permit me to rent it out from January. Do they have the right to stop me renting out my own apartment? <i>Matt, London.</i></b>
<b>Ask The Local: I'm finding the issue of Swedish unemployment insurance a bit of a nightmare. Can you explain how it all works?</b><i>Ana, Stockholm</i>
<b>I’ve been trying to find out the rules for parental leave in Sweden, but it has been hard finding them in English. Can you explain how it all works? -- Marcel, Lidingö</b>
<b>Ask The Local:</b> Every week we will be answering readers' questions about Sweden. This week, Janey in Stockholm wants to know how the healthcare system works.
