Sweden in Focus

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 

In this week's episode: how the new budget affects foreigners, favourite Swedish expressions, and a Social Democrat lottery scandal. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:MoneyHow will Sweden's new budget affect foreign residents?LanguageSeven Swedish expressions which will make you sound like a localSwedish word of the day: tjafsPoliticsWhy a lottery scandal could change the funding balance in Swedish politics 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: how the new budget affects foreigners, favourite Swedish expressions, Social Democrat lottery scandal. For Membership+ subscribers: children to start primary school a year earlier, recruiters on why Indians are leaving Sweden, top Sweden Democrat faces hate speech charges. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:MoneyHow will Sweden's new budget affect foreign residents?LanguageSeven Swedish expressions which will make you sound like a localSwedish word of the day: tjafsPoliticsWhy a lottery scandal could change the funding balance in Swedish politics SchoolsWhat's in Sweden's plans to extend compulsory schooling? Indians in SwedenInterview: Indians leaving Sweden only 'a temporary fluctuation' PoliticsSweden Democrat justice committee chair steps down over hate crime suspicion 

In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus Extra for Membership+ subscribers: the government's priorities for the year ahead, the status of the 'paradigm shift on migration', and four tricky pledges the coalition hasn't yet delivered on.  Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by The Local Sweden's Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren.After Sweden's parliament reopened last week after the summer break, the panelists discuss what Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said would be the government’s priorities for the year ahead. What are the Swedish government's key priorities for the year ahead? Two years into the government's term, how is its much-vaunted 'paradigm shift' on migration progressing? What's the current status of Sweden's planned migration laws? And finally we examine some potential stumbling blocks for the right-wing coalition as it enters the second half of its four-year term, from a proposed begging ban to plans to deport people for flawed conduct - 'bristande vandel '.

In this week's episode: Nordic cross-border lingo, who's who in Sweden's cabinet reshuffle, drone alerts at Arlanda Airport, what next for Northvolt after cuts? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:LanguageOPINION: Swedes, it's time to embrace language barriers, not avoid them PoliticsSwedish PM announces new foreign, migration and EU ministers in reshuffleWho is Johan Forssell, Sweden's new migration minister? Travel newsWhat do we know about the suspected drone sightings at Sweden's Arlanda Airport? BusinessNorthvolt warns of layoffs in bid to cut costs 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: Nordic cross-border lingo, who's who in Sweden's cabinet reshuffle, drone alerts at Arlanda Airport, what next for Northvolt after cuts? Why a small town is offering families cash to move in, and what new tax cuts mean for workers and savings account holders in Sweden. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:LanguageOPINION: Swedes, it's time to embrace language barriers, not avoid them PoliticsSwedish PM announces new foreign, migration and EU ministers in reshuffleWho is Johan Forssell, Sweden's new migration minister? Travel newsWhat do we know about the suspected drone sightings at Sweden's Arlanda Airport? BusinessNorthvolt warns of layoffs in bid to cut costs Moving to SwedenSwedish town in Lapland offers families 10,000 kronor to move in MoneyCALCULATOR: How much will you gain from the boost to Sweden's employment tax credit How will Sweden's cuts to tax on investment savings affect foreigners? What you need to know about investing in a Swedish ISK account 

In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus Extra we discuss what documentation you need to provide when applying for Swedish citizenship and why the government is so eager to trumpet new migration stats. Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by The Local Sweden's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Becky recently got the good news that her residence permit application has been accepted. Now that she's applying for citizenship we thought it would be a good time to look at what information you're expected to provide when you're ready to enter the ultimate boss level in the game of Sweden. EXPLAINED: How to become a Swedish citizen The panelists also discuss the fallout from the government's contested claim that Sweden is seeing net emigration for the first time in 50 years.  Swedish statistics agency disputes government's net migration claim 

In this week's episode: foreign minister steps down, new screen use recommendations, why the government is scrapping flight tax, and Sweden's biggest ever toxic waste scandal. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:PoliticsSwedish foreign minister Tobias Billström to step down and leave politicsSwedish government to scrap flight tax from next summer Health'The situation is dramatic': Sweden issues new advice on screen time for youngsters Environment11 people on trial in Sweden's biggest toxic waste scandal 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.