Best Akesson Podcasts (2024)

1
Are Jimmie Åkesson’s gang leader links damaging for the Sweden Democrats? 28:31

20d ago28:31

28:31

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? 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 to…

1
What does a Trump victory mean for Americans in Sweden (and everyone else)? 22:56

5h ago22:56

22:56

In this week's episode: We chat to Americans about the US election result and how it will affect Sweden, Riksbank slashes key interest rate, reactions to the guilty verdict delivered to the far-right leader Rasmus Paludan for hate speech. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local Sweden editor Emma Löfren and publisher James Savage. Here …

1
Could backing Israel seriously become a condition for Swedish citizenship? 19:34

8h ago19:34

19:34

In this week's episode: How gang crime is top of the agenda for Nordic leaders, why a politician wants to make recognizing Israel a condition of citizenship, the controversial past of India’s new ambassador, and which of Swedish universities are really world class. Host James Savage is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Oran…

1
Why Sweden's tax-and-spend makeover has split the political left 20:43

4d ago20:43

20:43

In this week's episode: Halloween preparations, why Sweden is seeing fewer work permit applications, how a new fiscal policy framework has divided Sweden's left-wing parties. 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: Swedish traditions Hall…

1
What are the sure signs you definitely live in Sweden? 15:25

13d ago15:25

15:25

In this week's episode: Signs you live in Sweden, Rasmus Paludan on trial over anti-Muslim slurs, how celebrating your home culture can connect you to Sweden. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and James Savage, and we also hear from India Unlimited founder Sanjoo Malhotra about expressions of Indian culture in Swe…

1
Why Sweden's begging ban debate feels a decade out of date 32:25

25d ago32:25

32:25

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 som…

1
Why Sweden risks blowback from 3-month limit for jobseekers 25:42

1M ago25:42

25:42

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…

1
What are Sweden's budget priorities for immigrants? 24:27

1M ago24:27

24:27

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: Money How will Sweden's new budget affect foreign residents? Lang…

1
What words from other Nordic languages do all Swedes know? 20:39

2M ago20:39

20:39

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: Language OPINION: Swedes, it's time to …

1
Can Sweden's new screen guidelines stop the endless scrolling? 26:21

2M ago26:21

26:21

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: Politics Swedish forei…

1
Should fathers be allowed to 'give away the bride' at Swedish weddings? 23:20

2M ago23:20

23:20

In this week's episode: Government backtracks on biofuels. How happy is the right-wing coalition at the half-way point of its tenure? Church politicians push to ban practice of fathers 'giving away the bride'. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the e…

1
Why Swedish 'child soldiers' do dirty work for Danish gangs 19:17

2M ago19:17

19:17

Interest rate cuts, why the government is pleased with its 'paradigm shift' on immigration, why gangs in Denmark are recruiting young Swedes for violent attacks. 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: Money Sweden's mortgage war heats up…

1
Strange noises Swedes make that you won't find in a dictionary 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

Sweden’s population is shrinking as emigration exceeds immigration for the first time in over 50s. Is this true and if so, should it be cause for celebration? Will higher inflation numbers affect next week's interest rate cut? Why a proposal to pay refugees to return has been summarily rejected by the government’s own inquiry. Finally, we attempt t…

1
Why an award-winning businessman risks deportation from Sweden 17:35

3M ago17:35

17:35

Stinky fish, Swedish Olympians, and why Migration Agency says 35,000 kronor is too low a salary for a CEO. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and James Savage. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Olympics WATCH: The moment US-born Swede Armand Duplantis cemented his place in Olympic history…

1
How Sweden's stricter immigration rules are hurting the games industry 28:15

3M ago28:15

28:15

In this week's Sweden in Focus we speak to the head of Sweden's main games industry organization about how higher salary requirements for work permit holders risk throttling growth. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by Per Strömbäck, the head of Dataspelsbranschen, or the Swedish Games, an organisation that represents companies in Sweden’s inn…

1
How wage requirements for foreign workers are hitting Sweden's startups 18:16

4M ago18:16

18:16

In this week's episode of Sweden in Focus we speak to the head of a Swedish organisation for startups and scaleups about the impact on growth of higher salary requirements for foreign work permit holders. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by Stina Lantz, the head of the industry association Swedish Incubators and Science Parks. She explains wh…

1
What do foreigners value most about living in Sweden? 30:18

4M ago30:18

30:18

In this week's Sweden in Focus we speak to an immigration expert about the pros and cons of moving to Sweden for work. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by Lena Rekdal, founder of the immigration and relocation company Nimmersion. They discuss what immigrants find most appealing about Sweden, how companies and their international employees are…

1
Family reunification to get harder in Sweden, and is now a good time to buy property? 16:35

4M ago16:35

16:35

Family reunification clampdown, Swedish town's one-krona plots go viral, and is now a good time to buy property? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's deputy editor Becky Waterton. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Immigration Swedish government announces new plans to limit family reunification permits P…

1
'How can Sweden leave behind a citizen who was sentenced to death?' 22:24

4M ago22:24

22:24

In this week's Sweden in Focus we speak to Vida Mehrannia, the wife of the Karolinska Institute researcher Ahmedreza Djalali who was sentenced to death in Iran in 2017 and was not part of a recent prisoner exchange that saw two Swedes return home. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week Vida Mehrannia. She talks about why the family moved to Sweden,…

1
Almedalen special: Why does Sweden make life so hard for foreign talent? 23:34

5M ago23:34

23:34

In this special episode of Sweden in Focus James Savage travels to the Almedalen political week on Gotland, where he asks the chief economist of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, Sven-Olov Daunfeldt, whether things might get better for work permit holders any time soon. Also in this episode: Russia is waging a hybrid war against European cou…

1
Anger over prisoner swap with Iran, and how strawberries fuel Sweden's gangs 19:29

5M ago19:29

19:29

Strawberries linked to organised crime, US designates Swedish neo-Nazis as terrorists, opinion divided over prisoner swap with Iran. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists James Savage and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Crime Illegal Swedish strawberry sales raise billions of kronor…

1
Sweden's most offensive words and a bad night for the far right 25:36

5M ago25:36

25:36

Celebrate Midsummer like a Swede, EU election analysis, Sweden's most offensive words. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists James Savage and Becky Waterton. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Midsummer The Local's ultimate guide to Midsummer's Eve 2024 European Elections Who are the winners and los…

1
Three parties risk European elimination as Sweden goes to the polls 13:48

5M ago13:48

13:48

Striking nurses, European election preview, Sweden Democrats' anti-Arab trolling, how can Sweden get more inclusive? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Emma Löfgren and Becky Waterton. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Healthcare strike Nurses in Sweden launch first strike in 16 years European e…

1
Is Iran using Swedish gangs in its proxy war with Israel? 20:06

5M ago20:06

20:06

Iran accused of deploying Swedish gangs, Ebba Busch sparks anger over Islam remarks, how Sweden can make immigrants feel more welcome on National Day? 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: Iran Swedish security chiefs: Iran recruits…

1
How can Sweden get more immigrants in leadership roles? 23:43

6M ago23:43

23:43

This week in Sweden in Focus: Nurses plan to strike, Sweden Democrats vow to keep on trolling, and how can Sweden combat discrimination? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local Sweden's editor Emma Löfgren and our Nordic correspondent Richard Orange. The episode also features interviews with Greg Fernando, the founder of New to Sweden, an organis…

1
INTERVIEW - Sweden's labour migration clampdown will harm green transition: Green Party leader 39:14

6M ago39:14

39:14

In this week's Sweden in Focus Extra: Green Party joint leader Daniel Helldén on criticism of government climate policy, the EU elections, immigration and online attacks from far-right troll accounts. After a turbulent period for the party, the Greens recently put in place a new leadership duo: Daniel Helldén, previously vice mayor of Stockholm, an…

1
Sweden Democrat troll factory scandal grows and Taylor Swift hits Stockholm 24:55

6M ago24:55

24:55

This week: Fallout from Sweden Democrat troll factory scandal, how Stockholm has prepared for Taylor Swift, excerpts from interview with Green Party leader Daniel Helldén. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Nordic correspondent, Richard Orange. The episode also features interviews with Dagens Nyheter's reporter Evelyn Jones, Stoc…

1
How will lower interest rates affect your life in Sweden, and how likely is a 4-day week? 15:10

6M ago15:10

15:10

In this week's episode: Security fears and parties in Malmö for Eurovision, how lower interest rates affect people in Sweden, and Sweden Democrats get caught running a social media troll factory. -- Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast…

1
Why do we get a day off for Ascension and who's the new joint leader of Sweden's Green Party? 12:57

6M ago12:57

12:57

In this week's episode: Ascension Day holiday, Nazis storm political meeting in Stockholm, preview of interview with gardening expert John Taylor, and who is the Green Party's new joint leader? -- Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Foc…

1
How can Sweden attract and retain skilled foreigners? 29:42

7M ago29:42

29:42

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
How a Swedish nepotism scandal highlights poor recruitment practices 17:05

7M ago17:05

17:05

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
50 years of Abba, children’s residence permit row, Sweden regressing on rule of law 21:15

7M ago21:15

21:15

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
Gender law splits government and will there be a Swedish pope? 20:09

7M ago20:09

20:09

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
How happy are Swedes? 15:12

8M ago15:12

15:12

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
Waffle Day, terror arrests, Christian Democrats and Sweden Democrats in war of words 16:00

8M ago16:00

16:00

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
New migration numbers and why a Swedish kids' magazine ignores prudish parents 14:32

8M ago14:32

14:32

This week: New migration stats and a uniquely Swedish kids' magazine. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, and we also chat to the editor of KP, Lukas Björkman, about the children's magazine's enduringly popularity in a digital age and how to stay relevant by listening to children and ignoring parents. Here…

1
INTERVIEW: 'Lots of kids growing up in Sweden are not allowed to feel Swedish' 43:27

8M ago43:27

43:27

How does someone who grew up in a Stockholm suburb become the leader of a traditionally agrarian party? Why is the party opposed to new work permit rules? And what's it like being Sweden's first culturally Muslim party leader? This and more in our interview with Centre Party leader Muharrem Demirok. In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podc…

1
'Better late than sorry' as Sweden joins Nato, and will Norwegians sing for Sweden? 22:32

8M ago22:32

22:32

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
What do Swedes think of Russia and Ukraine? And bloodied 85-year-old beats ski record 18:06

8M ago18:06

18:06

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
The dreaded orange envelope, book tips, and how will Nato membership change Sweden? 18:16

9M ago18:16

18:16

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
What are the best tips for making friends in Sweden? 26:20

9M ago26:20

26:20

Sign up now for Membership+ 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+ access Read …

1
Skiing tips, politics for immigrants, and plans for stiffer work permit rules 28:02

9M ago28:02

28:02

Sign up now for Membership+ 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 ab…

1
What makes dating in Sweden so hard (and how to succeed)? 23:30

9M ago23:30

23:30

Why do many foreigners find dating in Sweden so tough, and what's the approach to take? Hear matchmaker Lemarc Thomas give his views on how to crack the Swedish dating scene. In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is briefly joined by panelists James Savage and Becky Waterton, before we listen to an interview with …

1
Semla bun frenzy, anti-Semitism in Sweden, and why a Gucci cap could get you frisked 24:08

9M ago24:08

24:08

In this week's episode: semla season, better conditions for Ukrainian refugees, why Sweden is closing its NordStream blast probe, freezer malfunction spoils decades of samples at a Swedish university, an alleged Iranian plot to kill Jews in Sweden, anti-Semitism in Sweden, and new details on stop-and-search zones. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this …

1
New work permit system, Macron's Sweden visit and who are the Sami? 27:10

9M ago27:10

27:10

In this week's episode: tougher rules for Sweden citizenship, French President Emanuel Macron's state visit to Sweden, new work permit system takes effect, and why Sweden needs to do more to promote understanding of indigenous Sami. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and Becky Waterton, and we also have an interview with Charl…

1
Top politician wants to ban Islamic symbols, and is Sweden prepared for cyber attacks? 29:43

10M ago29:43

29:43

In this week's episode: Ice bathing, Turkey's parliament votes on Sweden's Nato bid, top Sweden Democrat calls for ban on Islamic symbols, Sweden's complicated relationship with wolves, and how a cyber attack hit Swedish authorities and retailers. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s Emma Löfgren and James Savage, and we also have …

1
Centre-right collapse explained, and why do Swedes drink so much coffee? 32:14

10M ago32:14

32:14

In this week's episode: why the centre-right has hit a new low in polls, cocaine at the Riskdag, the effects of growing unemployment and falling inflation, why opposition parties failed to depose Sweden's environment minister in a confidence vote, and why public sector workers are fuming over workplace coffee cuts. Here are links to some of the sto…

1
Why are politicians warning 'there could be war in Sweden'? 22:36

10M ago22:36

22:36

This week we discuss: the official end of Christmas, snow-fueled chaos on the E22 motorway, royal abdication speculation, and why politicians and military leaders are warning of the prospect of war in Sweden. Richard Orange stands in as host this week and is joined by regular panelists: Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the…

1
What's coming up in Sweden in 2024? 24:37

10M ago24:37

24:37

This week we take a look at the stories likely to shape Sweden in 2024, from politics and Nato to minority rights, Eurovision, and the economy. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined for the preview of 2024 by all our regular panelists: James Savage, Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Politics W…

1
What were the stories that defined Sweden in 2023? 38:45

11M ago38:45

38:45

This week we look back at the biggest news stories in Sweden in 2023, from quran burnings and a heightened terror threat to Nato wrangling, the King's jubilee, and new income requirements for work permit holders. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined for the review of the year by all our regular panelists: James Savage, Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and Em…

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Akesson Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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