'We have let the Sweden Democrats become our voice on immigration'
In this clip from Sweden in Focus Extra, The Local's Richard Orange catches up with Douglas Thor, the head of the Moderate party’s youth wing, to talk about his ideas for combating teen deportations.As we’ve reported quite a bit recently, Sweden is routinely deporting the young adult children of permanent residency applicants if they can’t support themselves financially, and Douglas Thor has been vocal in his criticism of how the country is essentially forcing away families who he believes have a lot to contribute to society.He also has a lot to say about the salary threshold for work permits, how he thinks his own party has gone way too far in bending to the will of the far-right Sweden Democrats, and much more besides.Membership+ subscribers can listen to the interview in the latest episode of Sweden in Focus Extra.READ ALSO:'A bug in the system is seeing hard-working people deported from Sweden'EXPLAINED: How to avoid Sweden's teen deportation trap'Sweden is less appealing': How teen deportations deter foreign talent Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10 Sep 7min
Is Sweden's new cultural canon helpful for immigrants?
In this week's episode, panelists Becky Waterton and Richard Orange tell us how they've recently embellished their Swedish credentials through woodland activities and crayfish parties. In news, we look at how the government is planning to combat high food prices as well as what property prices and the value of the krona are telling us about the state of Sweden’s economy.We also dive into the new Swedish cultural canon that was presented this week and we hear what people are saying about a list spanning everything from Ikea to Pippi Longstocking.Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:EconomyHow much money will Sweden's halving of food VAT save an average family?Swedish apartment prices nearing three-year highSwedish krona reaches strongest level in more than three yearsCultural canonPippi, Ikea and the Nobel prize: Sweden gets its first cultural canonFULL LIST: Everything that's in Sweden's new cultural canonGet Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday.Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+For new members: Get Membership+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6 Sep 34min
Moving to Sweden: 'The help I got from Dalarna was mind-blowing'
In this clip from Sweden in Focus Extra, host Paul O'Mahony chats with Iain Forbes, a medical professional from the UK who moved to Falun shortly after the 2016 Brexit vote.In the interview Forbes speaks in glowing terms about the integration package offered to him by the Dalarna Region, which included six months of fully paid language instruction as well as assistance with relocation and housing. Get Membership+ Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday.Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+For new members: Get Membership+ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3 Sep 4min
Why Swedish universities are refusing to design citizenship tests
In this week's episode we talk about the government’s plans for citizenship tests and why universities want nothing to do with creating them. And when does autumn start in Sweden? Have we given up on summer already?Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:CitizenshipStockholm University protests Swedish citizenship test roleSummerInside Sweden: When does summer in Sweden actually end?Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday.Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30 Aug 22min
So you moved to Sweden. Are you an immigrant, a foreigner or an expat?
In this week's episode we talk about the latest from the trial of Sweden’s former national security chief, Henrik Landerholm, over the negligent handling of classified documents.We also discuss the language used to describe people who weren’t born in Sweden. Are we immigrants, foreigners, expats or something else entirely?Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:MushroomsHow to pick mushrooms in Sweden like you've been doing it all your lifeCricketCricket in Sweden: how can an immigrant-powered sport attract new players?KirunaHistoric Swedish church arrives at new homeGet Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday.Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre.Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23 Aug 27min
Cricket in Sweden: how can an immigrant-powered sport attract new players?
In this week’s episode we look at the past, present and future of cricket in Sweden.With interest soaring in Sweden in recent years, The Local’s James Savage attended an event recently introducing Swedish parliamentarians to the sport. To get a feel for the state of the game in Sweden, James spoke to the event’s organizer, Nagendra Siddoutam from Anchor Sports, and Mattias Karlsson, a Moderate Party politician. Host Paul O’Mahony is also joined by The Local’s Nordic editor Richard Orange, who previously wrote a series of articles detailing a scandal that led to the national federation being stripped of its funding.Earlier this year the Swedish Sports Federation ended the cricket organisation’s suspension and enthusiasts are now once again focused on bringing the sport to as many people as possible in Sweden. READ ALSO:LONG READ: How Cricket in Sweden went from triumph to near disasterSwedish Cricket Federation escapes suspension after two yearsCricket is booming in Sweden, thanks to migrants Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20 Aug 15min
Why is Sweden deporting young adult children of permanent residents?
In this week's episode we talk about the resurrection of Northvolt and what new ownership will mean for the bankrupt battery maker.We also ask if the government is likely to do anything to stop the trend of young adults being deported while their working parents are allowed to stay in Sweden.Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Richard Orange and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:NorthvoltKEY POINTS: What do we know about the rescue of Swedish battery company Northvolt?Lyten agrees to buy bankrupt Swedish battery company NorthvoltImmigration Will Sweden’s government act to stop ‘teen deportations’?Why is Sweden's 2021 migration law leading to 'teen deportations'?Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday.Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 Aug 18min
Why Sweden’s right-wing parties are bickering over call to freeze trade with Israel
In this week's episode we talk about Sweden’s return to day-to-day life as the summer holidays wind down. In politics we discuss divisions on the right on how to deal with Israel, and we dig into reactions to news that the Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson uses Chat GPT to test out new ideas.Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelist Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Swedish traditions Eight phrases to get back in the groove like a Swede after the summer holidaysWeather MAP: The places in northern Sweden that set new heat records in JulyTourists seeking 'coolcations' in Norway and Sweden hit by heatwaves insteadPoliticsPolitics in Sweden: Swedish right divided over relations with IsraelChristian Democrat leader slammed for claiming Israel 'doing the world a favour'Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcastsSign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday.Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9 Aug 15min
