What is Sweden doing to combat Russian propaganda?
In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. We also have an interview with James Pamment from Lund University about how Sweden tackles Russian propaganda. In this edition we also discuss: A word of the day to welcome springAll the latest Nato updatesAre housing prices in Sweden set to plummet?For our main topic this week we look at what Sweden is doing to combat Russian disinformation in the wake of a poster campaign in Moscow this week that sparked strong reactions in Sweden. We discuss how how much of a challenge it is for the media to report on influence campaigns like this without amplifying the Kremlin’s message out of proportion. We also take a closer look at two of the iconic Swedes named in the campaign, children's book author Astrid Lindgren and film director Ingmar Bergman.Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. And don’t forget to hit the follow button (or + sign) on Apple or tap the notification bell on Spotify to ensure you get a reminder whenever we publish a new episode.We are also asking listeners to help us improve Sweden in Focus by taking this quick survey. Please take a couple of minutes to answers the questions if you can. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7 Mai 202237min
How will the global energy crisis affect life in Sweden?
In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined byThe Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. We also have an interview with the Green Party co-leader Märta Stenevi. In this edition we discuss: Christian Democrat leader Ebba Busch’s controversial comments calling for police to open fire on rioters. Is a Swedish Nato application just weeks away?What do Swedes find annoying about their own language?For our main topic this week we look at how Sweden is affected by the ongoing global energy crisis. We examine: what energy sources Sweden currently uses and how the mix is likely to change in the longer term; what important new technologies are in the pipeline, including major projects in northern Sweden; how reliant Sweden is on Russian oil and gas imports; and what we as consumers can do to reduce our energy bills. You can listen to the episode HERE. Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. And don’t forget to hit the follow button (or + sign) on Apple or tap the notification bell on Spotify to ensure you get a reminder whenever we publish a new episode. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30 Apr 202235min
Why Sweden experienced its worst riots in decades
In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by Swedish journalist Bilan Osman, as well as The Local’s James Savage, Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. In this edition we discuss: Will the government manage to pass its hotly contested spring budget?Sweden’s highest circulation newspaper backs Nato membership Will a new work permit law prevent talent deportations?But our main focus this week is on the riots that took place in several Swedish cities over the Easter weekend. What caused them? Just how bad were they? Should a far-right extremist be allowed to stage Koran-burning protests? And what can be done to ensure Muslims as a group aren’t scapegoated for the actions of a small minority? Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. Thank you! Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23 Apr 202226min
Next stop Nato, healthcare tips, and are the Liberals doomed?
In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by Gunilla Herolf, a Nato expert at the Swedish Institute of International Affair, as well as The Local’s James Savage and Richard Orange. In this edition we look at why Nyamko Sabuni quit as leader of the Liberals and how a change in leadership is likely to affect the outcome of the Swedish election this September.With Nato membership looking increasingly likely for Sweden, we get expert analysis from Gunilla Herolf on what this will mean for a country that has long cherished its policy of military non-alignment. Finally, we shine a light on Sweden’s healthcare guarantee and how you can ensure you get the medical help you’re entitled to. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 Apr 202228min
65,000 bomb shelters, a Swedish teacher's tips, and Easter insults
In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by Swedish teacher and book publisher Sofi Tegsveden Deveaux, as well as The Local's James Savage and Richard Orange. In this edition we get to grips with why Sweden has so many bomb shelters, where you can find them, and what state they're in.We also look at the results of our poll on how easy or hard it is to learn Swedish and we get some really excellent tips from our guest Sofi on the most important things to bear in mind if you want to master the lingo. Last but not least, we discuss a Swedish Easter tradition so unusual that none of us had even heard of it until our intrepid reporter Becky Waterton started doing some paschal digging. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9 Apr 202235min
Beat the Swedish system, IndiskFika, and trouble over mines
In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined Indian dancer and project manager Aradhana Varma and The Local’s Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage.In this edition our guest Aradhana tells us about her dance group IndiskFika's television adventures as well as what it was like moving from India to Sweden and the cultural differences that took some getting used to. We also discuss the Swedish government's decision to press ahead with plans for an iron ore mine on Sami lands in northern Sweden and the historical background that makes the move so controversial. And we reveal the results of a poll in which we asked if listeners had experienced people finding creative ways to sidestep the queues in Sweden for services like healthcare, housing and education. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 Apr 202233min
Arming Ukraine, rising Swedish prices, and ‘talent deportations’
In the latest episode of The Local's Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage. In this episode we hear from Ukrainian refugees in Malmö, check in on Sweden's Nato debate, and we examine Sweden's plans to send more weapons to help repel the Russian invasion. We also reveal the results of a listener poll on Sweden's rising cost of living and discuss how it's affecting people and what the government is doing to dampen the impact. And we dig into the findings of a survey suggesting that the most important issues for readers of The Local are healthcare, education, and immigration. Finally, we focus a little bit extra on the enduring problem of people being deported as a result of their employers' administrative errors. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26 Mar 202230min
Ukrainian refugees, Swedish for Immigrants classes, and does the typical Swede exist?
In the latest episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by lecturer and author David Crouch as well as The Local’s Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage. In this episode we discuss how prepared Sweden is to help people fleeing the war in Ukraine. We also examine the results of our listener poll about Swedish for Immigrants classes, and we get tips on learning Swedish from our guests. Finally, we talk to David Crouch about his article this week asking if there is such a thing as a typical Swede. You can listen to the episode HERE. Let us know what you think in the comments below, or tweet us using the hashtag #SwedeninFocus. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19 Mar 202234min
