PODCAST: Swedish holiday traditions, and why has the Centre Party plummeted in the polls?

In this week's episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast, our panelists are talking about fermented herring, the biggest trial in Swedish history, how the 'paradigm shift' in migration policy is affecting foreigners, and the reawakening of a debate on joining the euro.This week host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange, and we also hear from one of Sweden’s foremost economists, Lars Calmfors.PODCAST LISTENER OFFER: Become a member of The LocalHere are links to some of the stories we discuss this week:Stinky fishWhy Swedish fermented herring is more fun than crayfishLundin OilBiggest trial in Swedish history gets under way: Top oil executives face courtSweden’s migration shiftForeigners in Sweden: How the migration paradigm shift affects our livesSwedish work permit overhaul ready ‘by start of next year’Euro debateShould Sweden abandon a weak krona for the euro?___NEWSLETTER SIGNUP: The Local’s member newslettersSURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in Focus Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 Sep 202334min

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's James Savage and Becky Waterton, as well as Julia Agha, publisher of the Arabic-language news service Al Kompis. PODCAST LISTENER OFFER: Become a member of The LocalHere are some of the stories discussed:TimelineIN DATES: A short history of Sweden's Quran-burning crisisEXPLAINED: How did a far-right extremist derail Sweden's Nato application?Easter riotsRiots over Quran burning test Swedish tolerancePODCAST: Why Sweden experienced its worst riots in decadesSocial climate for Muslims in SwedenMuslims in Sweden 'particularly at risk of discrimination': reportOpposition calls for Sweden Democrat to resign over Mohammed tweetWhat does the law say?EXPLAINED: What could Sweden actually do to stop its Quran burnings?Danish banDenmark announces ban on Quran burningsJulia's previous appearance on the podcastPODCAST: Election fever, energy prices, and why integration is a two-way streetTerror threat What you need to know about Sweden's terror threatINTERVIEW: Terror threat against Sweden is unprecedented, expert warns Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Sep 202332min

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren, while James Savage calls in from Almedalen. This week we discuss:Airline strikeEmployers and unions have negotiated a settlement meaning the strike due to start on July 3rd has been called off. Follow the latest updates on our travel news page. Deadly rollercoaster accident Gröna Lund: What we know about Sweden's fatal rollercoaster crashSex workers told to pay tax 'No room for interpretation': Swedish sex workers told to pay taxRental reform EXPLAINED: Sweden's plans to free up private rental market__NEWSLETTER SIGNUP: The Local's member newslettersSURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in FocusBecome a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 Jul 202333min

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Richard Orange, James Savage, and Becky Waterton.This week we discuss:Russia threatRussia could pose threat to Sweden 'for decades'Lack of diversity in business How diverse is company leadership in Sweden?Economy latestSwedish economy expected to pick up again 'late this year'Summer holidays Why do the Swedes take such long summer holidays?How to have a cheap holiday in Sweden this summerSwedish word of the day: allemansrätten__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in FocusBecome a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 Jun 202330min

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Richard Orange, James Savage, and Becky Waterton.This week we discuss:BeyoncéBills, bills bills: Beyoncé blamed for Sweden's inflation disappointmentMidsummerThe Local's ultimate guide to Midsummer's EveSmoke-free SwedenHow Sweden got close to stubbing out smoking for good Nato latestTurkish president dampens hopes of Sweden joining Nato in JulyHungary set to vote on Sweden Nato bid before July summitGang crimeHow could Sweden put an end to its deadly wave of gang crime?IN STATS: How safe is Sweden in comparison to similar countries?The interview with the crime reporter Diamant Salihu that we refer to in the episode was published in two parts on February 4th and 7th if you'd like to go back and listen. __SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in FocusBecome a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 Jun 202339min

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Richard Orange, James Savage, and Becky Waterton.This week we discuss:Sex liesFact check: Has Sweden really recognised sex as an official sport?Drought fearsIN MAPS: What the drought could mean for Sweden this summerFire bans as Sweden braces for another week of tinder-dry weatherHow to stay safe during the heat in Sweden this summerDay tripsDiscover southern Sweden: Five of the best day trips from MalmöFive of the best day trips to do from StockholmFive great day trips to do from GothenburgWeak kronaEXPLAINED: How could Sweden's latest inflation news affect your finances?Subscribe to The LocalBecome a memberZlatan Ibrahimovic retires'It's the moment to say goodbye': Zlatan Ibrahimovic retires from footballMultiple identitiesARCHIVE: Why it's time to celebrate Sweden's diverse identity Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 Jun 202343min

In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Emma Löfgren, James Savage, and Becky Waterton.This week we discuss:Sweden’s stalled Nato application Russian ‘spy whale’ turns up in Swedish watersUS urges Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden’s Nato membershipNato chief ‘confident’ Sweden will become full member of military allianceNational DayThe lowdown on Sweden’s National DayLISTEN: Last year’s National Day/school graduation podcastSchool graduationWhy are Swedish teens in white hats singing and drinking on trucks?Swedish word of the day: utspringMidwife shortageWhat’s the state of Sweden’s maternity wards this summer?Permanent residency testsWhat do we know about Sweden’s planned tests for permanent residency?__Subscribe to The LocalBecome a member Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3 Jun 202334min

In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange, and Becky Waterton for the second part of our interview with Anna Gustafsson, healthcare reporter for the Dagens Nyheter newspaper.Here are a few articles linked to the topics we discuss: How the Swedish healthcare system worksEXPLAINED: What to do if you face a long wait for healthcare in SwedenSituation in Sweden's hospitals 'terrible and completely unacceptable': watchdog How much will I have to pay to go to the dentist in Sweden?__SURVEY: Share your feedback on Sweden in FocusBecome a member of The Local Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Mai 202322min