Sweden in Focus25 Jan 2025

What makes Sweden one of the world's most innovative countries?

This week we talk about Donald Trump's return to the White House and how it’s going to impact Sweden, especially in the areas of trade and security. And could the Tesla strike become a flashpoint with Elon Musk now a part of the US administration?

One Swede who was in the United States recently is the deputy prime minster Ebba Busch. We discuss her recent visit to Las Vegas where she gave a rousing speech about Swedish innovation that sparked animated debate back home.

We’ll also examine why the Prime Minister is coming under increasing pressure to sack his national security adviser, who also happens to be his close childhood friend.

For Membership+ subscribers we dig into comments we’ve received from readers about proposals to extend the waiting time for citizenship and we bring you the latest on the government’s plans to increase the salary requirement for work permit holders after the employment minister said he’d be open to backtracking.

Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and James Savage.

Sweden & the United States

What does Donald Trump's return to the White House mean for Sweden?

Innovation

From 2023: Sweden ranked second most innovative country in the world

Politics

Sweden's national security adviser's slip-ups examined by prosecutors

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