Sweden In Focus
In The Local's Sweden in Focus podcast our team of journalists discuss the latest news and talking points from Sweden as well as offering practical advice on navigating life in Sweden.
Listen to the latest episode below.
How serious is Sweden's democratic decline?
In this week's podcast: 'month of destiny' for citizenship, Sweden backsliding on democracy, Swedes irate as France bans white snus, and Swedish folk wisdom on weather.
'We worry that migration rules are making Sweden even more unattractive'
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with Therese Svanström, chairperson of TCO, the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees.
How to celebrate Easter in Sweden, and unions reject immigration clampdown
In this week's podcast: key trade union group wants transitional rules for citizenship, Swedish Easter traditions, 'poor conduct' law targeting immigrants edges closer, and how the Migration Agency is tackling its huge backlog.
'Politicians knew teens would be kicked out of Sweden – the surprise was the reaction'
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with Fredrik Kopsch, chief economist at Sweden's free market think tank Timbro.
Crunch time for Sweden's new citizenship law
In this week's podcast: citizenship vote draws near, election preview, taking a Swedish language test, and why do Swedes eat waffles on March 25th?
Why the Liberals abandoned their opposition to Sweden Democrats in government
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features analysis of the Liberal Party's decision to no longer oppose far-right Sweden Democrat inclusion in a future government.
What does Sweden's deportation climbdown mean for immigrants?
In this week's podcast: Sweden backtracks on deportations; who is Felicia, Sweden's Eurovision hopeful? Why April could be a good month for personal finances, and the latest on work permit threshold exemptions.
Stricter immigration 'will make Sweden less attractive' for game workers
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with Johanna Nylander, acting head of the Swedish Games Industry Association.
How is Sweden reacting to US and Israeli attacks on Iran?
In this week's podcast: Sweden reacts to attacks on Iran, will Sweden's right soften on immigration? How does speaking Swedish change you? And is it possible to prove your civics knowledge before the new citizenship law kicks in?
'Sweden is setting itself up for a losing battle' on skilled immigration
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with Patrick Gallen, spokesperson for Fair Transition.
Why a legal watchdog slammed Sweden's citizenship plan
In this week's podcast: three years of teen deportations, legal experts blast lack of transitional rules for citizenship applicants, Swedish birthday traditions, and how Sweden is restricting immigrants' access to welfare benefits.
Sweden's teen deportations: 'It feels like they wanted him to turn 18 so they could reject him'
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with the parents of a student facing deportation from Sweden.
Deportation order for 8-month-old baby shocks Sweden
In this week's podcast: Anger and disbelief over order to deport 8-month-old; Swedish town wants staff to have sex during work hours; hundreds apply for 'voluntary repatriation'; and what's the history behind Sweden's sportlov winter break?
Parents lash out at Sweden's 'absurd' teen deportations
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with the father of a high school student facing expulsion from Sweden, as well as analysis of the latest developments on teen deportations.
Why high-skilled workers feel betrayed by Sweden
In this week's podcast: anger over retroactive citizenship requirements, Prime Minister speaks out on teen deportations, and salary limit exemptions for work permit holders.
The battle to end Sweden's teen deportations
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features interviews with the migration policy spokespeople from the Green and Centre parties.
What's in the new immigration laws Sweden is rushing to pass?
In this week's podcast: immigration laws coming thick and fast, Sweden's Winter Olympics chances, new list of work permit exemptions on the way, and the scourge of formulaic parent-teacher meetings.
Why revoking Swedish residency is 'obviously' illegal
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with the immigration lawyer Tomas Fridh.
How important is US trade and will Sweden join the euro?
In this week's podcast: how dependent is Sweden's economy on the US? New words in the Swedish dictionary, Migration Agency rejects high school exchange students, and a clampdown on abuse of student visas.
'I'm in complete confusion': Indian entrepreneur faces threat of expulsion from Sweden
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with the Skellefteå-based entrepreneur Abhi Nag Balasubramanya.
Will Sweden backtrack on worker deportations as media pressure mounts?
In this week's podcast: a shift in tone on immigration, Sweden reacts to Trump's foreign policy threats, foreigners adapt to Swedish food habits, and why are women in Sweden much more left-wing than men in their voting preferences?
Swedish minister: 'EU needs to step up on defence'
This week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra features an interview with Jessica Rosencrantz, Sweden's Minister for EU Affairs.
Why did Sweden greenlight so few new citizenships in 2025?
In this week's podcast: new citizenship and work permit stats, Swedish words for wintry weather, Swedish foods with official EU protections, and how to enrol your child in a Swedish school.