Articles by this author
Inside Sweden: Is Swedish politics at risk of losing its greatest strength?
Richard Orange wonders whether the social trust that has made Sweden so successful is disappearing from its politics, before going through the week's stories.
'If you came to work in Sweden because of relaxed citizenship rules, I don’t want you'
In the first of The Local's election interviews with the immigration spokespeople of Sweden's political parties, the Sweden Democrats' Ludvig Aspling downplays the impacts of new stricter work permit and citizenship rules on skilled labour migrants, and outlines his party's plans for the next mandate period.
Sweden's opposition hope to vote down two-year wait for family reunion
Sweden’s government could face a defeat in the final day of parliamentary voting of the term, as an opposition MP said the four parties planned to unite to reject a proposal requiring foreigners to wait more than two years before bringing close relatives to Sweden.
UPDATED: What you need to know about the civics test for Swedish citizenship
On August 15th the first civics test for citizenship will be held for around 1,000 people at the Stockholmsmässan conference centre in Älvsjö, southern Stockholm. Here's what you need to know.
Today in Sweden: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
Tesla mechanics in Sweden out on strike again, flights from Stockholm hit July record, and more news from Sweden on Wednesday.
Top Sweden Democrat compares left-wing journalist to pro-Nazi traitor
One of the most senior figures in the far-right Sweden Democrats has compared the political editor of Sweden's leading left-wing newspaper to Vidkun Quisling, who headed Norway's puppet government during its occupation by Nazi Germany.
TELL US: Is tipping culture changing in Sweden?
Whether or not to tip in restaurants and bars is a question that often confuses newcomers to Sweden, so we thought we'd ask our readers what their approach is, and also get their opinions about whether Swedish tipping habits are shifting.
Why do Swedes use week numbers instead of dates?
Having to regularly check which date is meant when a Swede gives you a week number can be frustrating, but there’s a method in this numerical merry-go-round.
Social Democrat leader promises a safer, richer Sweden at election tour launch
Both Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Magdalena Andersson, leader of the opposition Social Democrats, launched their election bus tours on Monday, with Andersson unveiling a new slogan, "Time to take Sweden seriously" and Kristersson launching a rival tour.
Today in Sweden: A roundup of the latest news on Monday
Eighty paperless migrants reported since 'snitch law' enacted, opposition ready to vote against tougher sentences law, and more news from Sweden on Monday.
'Everything is on hold': The ups and downs of working in Sweden in summer
Office fruit disappears, trains and restaurants shut down, and it is impossible to get anything done if it involves a Swedish colleague. The Local's readers report from Sweden's deserted summer offices.
INSIDE SWEDEN: Meeting my first self-confessed ‘coolcationers’
In this week's Inside Sweden The Local's Nordic Editor Richard Orange reflects on a meeting with Italians fleeing the Mediterranean heat, before running through the week's stories.
Citizen tests, gang punishments and electioneering: What changes in Sweden in August
The election campaign kicks off for real, MPs are called back to parliament to vote, and the first ever civics test for citizenship. Here's what changes in Sweden in August 2026.
Could Sweden's opposition soften the new family reunion bill?
Sweden's Green Party has criticised the upcoming bill on family reunion as "deliberate dismantling of the right to family life" and "a shame for Sweden" as it attempts to bring together the other opposition parties and rebel Liberal MPs to soften key clauses. What are the chances of success?
'I jumped on it straight away': First applicants invited to Sweden’s new civics test
The Local has heard from five people invited to take Sweden’s first civics test for citizenship on August 15th. Two welcomed the invitation, signed up immediately and are confident of passing, while three decided not to apply.
Today in Sweden: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
Ethiopian team disappears after Gothenburg football tournament, boy charged for driving A-tractor at 150 km/hour, and other news from Sweden on Wednesday.
Migration Agency chief: 'Sweden's government has done everything as it's supposed to be done'
Migration Agency director general Maria Mindhammar told The Local how proud she is of the way her agency has risen to the challenge during one of the busiest periods for migration reform in Swedish history.
Swedish word of the day: snabba puckar
This word of the day is one you might use when time is of the essence.
Today in Sweden: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday
Saab receives 10 billion kronor GlobalEye order, struggle to recruit personal assistants after work permit bar, and other news from Sweden on Tuesday.
Rise in number of work permits awarded in Sweden as exemptions start to apply
The new lower salary requirement for some work permits that came into effect in June has led to a leap in the number permits granted to some exempted professions, new Migration Agency statistics have shown.
From pariah to power: How I watched three elections change the Sweden Democrats
At the start of the fourth national election campaign he's reported on in Sweden, Richard Orange reflects on his experiences of the other three and what that says about how politics has changed in Sweden.
Today in Sweden: A roundup of the latest news on Monday
Liberals call for end of parental veto on special needs assessments, continuing serious risk of forest fires, and other news from Sweden on Monday.
Swedish migration minister: 'One day you're a Nazi, the next a left-wing activist'
Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell speaks to The Local's Richard Orange about the personal attacks he's received in his role, and why he thinks immigration will play a significant role in the upcoming election.