<p>In this week's episode we talk about Christmas and how to celebrate like a Swede.</p><p>We also discuss why prominent Moderate Party politicians are arguing amongst themselves about the merits of government policies that are forcing immigrants with jobs to leave the country.</p><p>For Membership+ subscribers&nbsp;we look at the economic forecast for Sweden in 2026, which will also be a useful barometer to gauge the government’s chances of securing reelection.&nbsp;</p><p>Finally we explain why a court has called off this year’s controversial wolf hunt and why a prominent commentator is linking anti-wolf sentiment to right-wing extremism.&nbsp;</p><p>Host <strong>Paul O'Mahony</strong> is joined this week by regular panelists <strong>Richard Orange</strong>&nbsp;and <strong>Becky Waterton</strong>. The episode also features an excerpt from an interview with Moderate Party youth leader <strong>Douglas Thor</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:</p><h2>Christmas</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20221205/advent-calendar-2022-how-to-decorate-your-christmas-tree-like-a-swede?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>How to decorate your Christmas tree like a Swede</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20251218/skal-a-guide-to-glogg-swedens-favourite-christmas-drink?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Skål! A guide to glögg, Sweden's favourite Christmas drink</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20241217/when-do-you-start-saying-merry-christmas-in-sweden?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>When do you start saying Merry Christmas in Sweden?</strong></a></li></ul><h2>Politics</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20251216/leader-of-swedish-moderate-youth-wing-criticises-work-permit-reforms?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Leader of Swedish Moderate youth wing criticises work permit reforms</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20251218/what-will-happen-in-swedish-politics-in-election-year-2026?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>What will happen in Swedish politics during election year 2026?</strong></a></li></ul><h2>Economy</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20250908/how-much-will-you-save-in-swedens-bumper-2026-budget?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>How Sweden’s 2026 budget could affect your finances</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20251215/how-strong-will-the-swedish-krona-be-in-2026t?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>How strong will the Swedish krona be in 2026?</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20250326/what-a-strong-swedish-krona-could-mean-for-foreigners-in-sweden?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>What a strong Swedish krona means for foreigners in Sweden</strong></a></li></ul><h2>Wolves</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20251216/planned-wolf-cull-blocked-by-swedish-court?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Planned wolf cull blocked by Swedish court</strong></a></li></ul><h2>Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts</h2><p>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.</p><p>Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+</p><ul><li><strong>For signed-in members: </strong><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/members/podcasts?tpcc=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Upgrade to Membership+</strong></a></li><li><strong>For new members:</strong> <a href="https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Get Membership+&nbsp;</strong></a></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Become a member at <a target="_blank" rel="payment" href="https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock">https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>