Sweden in Focus

In this week's episode: Rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, journalists slammed for prostitution tips, and how damaging are the Sweden Democrats' biker gang links? For Membership+ subscribers: foreign students in limbo over job-seeker permits, greater war focus in Sweden's new crisis handbook, and why does The Local cover crime stories? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and James Savage, as well as guest Jonathan Leman from anti-racism foundation Expo. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:DiscriminationNew report reveals sharp rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes in SwedenPoliticsWhy was there a gang leader at Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Åkesson's wedding? Working in SwedenForeign students face long waits for job-hunting permit to stay in Sweden MilitarySweden shifts focus towards war in new crisis booklet 

In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus Extra for Membership+ subscribers: what are the unwritten rules you need to know when attending or hosting a dinner party in Sweden? Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by Mats Danielsson, also known as Etikettdoktorn (the etiquette doctor), as well as The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange.This week we talk about dinner parties in Sweden and what’s expected of you either as a guest or a host so that you don’t end up committing any social faux pas that make the invitations dry up.  Mats Danielsson is one of Sweden's foremost etiquette experts and the go-to expert on how to behave at formal and semi-formal gatherings. But it turns out that Becky and Richard's dinner dinner parties are altogether more casual affairs where different conventions apply. Tune in to get their varying takes on when (or whether) you need to hug, toast or take off your shoes. READ ALSO:Why I can't embrace Sweden's obsession with hugging Ten things to know before you party with Swedes When and how should you give a speech or toast in Sweden? 

In this week's episode: Stockholm governor fired over recruitment nepotism, how cinnamon became Swedes' spice of choice, and why a begging ban feels like a throwback. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. The episode also features an interview with food historian Daniel Serra.  Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Anna Kinberg BatraHow a Swedish nepotism scandal highlights poor recruitment practicesFoodWhen did Swedes get so crazy about cinnamon? What does the Swedish food agency think we should be eating more or less of? Politics in SwedenSweden's government enters trickier territory with begging ban 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.Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. 

In this week's episode: Stockholm governor fired over recruitment nepotism, how cinnamon became Swedes' spice of choice, and why a begging ban feels like a throwback. For Membership+ subscribers: Court says no to night shifts at Spotify, top Sweden Democrat returns after hate speech charges dropped, and what next for Northvolt? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. The episode also features an interview with food historian Daniel Serra.  Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:Anna Kinberg BatraHow a Swedish nepotism scandal highlights poor recruitment practicesFoodWhen did Swedes get so crazy about cinnamon? What does the Swedish food agency think we should be eating more or less of? Politics in SwedenSweden's government enters trickier territory with begging ban SpotifySpotify to 'move tasks abroad' for 250 workers after court rejects night shift bid Richard JomshofSweden Democrat justice chair returns to post after hate crime probe dropped Northvolt'It was terribly mismanaged': Former Northvolt workers call for accountability What are the nationalities of work permit holders at Northvolt? 

In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus Extra for Membership+ subscribers: what is Sweden's language law, and is it a good move for Sweden to introduce language and knowledge tests for permanent residency and citizenship? Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by Pernilla Johansson from the Language Council of Sweden as well as The Local's James Savage and Emma Löfgren.Sweden is pushing ahead with plans to require applicants for permanent residency and citizenship to pass language and knowledge tests. But what does the country's Language Council make of the idea? And do our panelists know their Astrid Lindgren from their Selma Lagerlöf? READ ALSO:What could the Swedish language test for permanent residency look like? What do we know about Sweden's planned tests for permanent residency? What's the current status of Sweden's planned migration laws? 

In this week's episode: how Northvolt's crisis is hitting foreign workers and how recruiters can get better at gauging Swedish language skills. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and James Savage. The episode also features interviews with Helene Robson from Engineers of Sweden and Pernilla Johansson from the Language Council of Sweden. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:NorthvoltNorthvolt to slash almost a quarter of its workforceOPINION: Sweden needs to reconsider 'three-month deadline' for laid-off non-EU workersFive things you need to do right away if you're getting laid off in SwedenLanguageIs it ok to speak English? How to shine at your Swedish job interviewGet 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. 

In this week's episode: how Northvolt's crisis is hitting foreign workers, how recruiters can get better at gauging Swedish language skills, Iran accused of hacker attack during Quran burnings, and where should you visit in Swedish this autumn? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and James Savage. The episode also features interviews with Helene Robson from Engineers of Sweden and Pernilla Johansson from the Language Council of Sweden. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:NorthvoltNorthvolt to slash almost a quarter of its workforceOPINION: Sweden needs to reconsider 'three-month deadline' for laid-off non-EU workersFive things you need to do right away if you're getting laid off in SwedenLanguageIs it ok to speak English? How to shine at your Swedish job interviewCrimeSweden says Iran behind hacker attack that urged revenge for Quran burning Discover SwedenThe best places to visit in Sweden each season