Latest society & culture news and updates from Sweden in English.
Exceptional cold with little snow has created perfect ice for long-distance skating on Lake Mälaren and around Stockholm. Experts call it a rare treat, turning the city's waterfront into a vast natural rink and allowing locals to skate past iconic landmarks. This fleeting phenomenon highlights a cherished Swedish winter tradition while reminding us of nature's delicate balance.
Swedish teachers report a dramatic decline in students' writing skills, with over 80% seeing worse penmanship and grammar. Experts link handwriting to brain development, warning of cultural and cognitive impacts. Discover how this crisis unfolds in Stockholm's classrooms and what it means for Sweden's future.
A Jönköping University student has been suspended for three months after sharing a teacher's personal address, GPS coordinates, and identity number in private chats. The university's disciplinary board found the actions created a negative work environment for other students. The student offered a conditional apology, but the board enforced a strict suspension.
A Swedish teacher delivers nearly 700 harrowing stories from students and teachers to the Education Minister, highlighting an acute school crisis. The move creates direct pressure on the government to move beyond policy debates and address systemic failures. The response will test the political will to translate personal testimony into concrete action.
Sweden's maternity care is split over home births, with midwives and doctors clashing over safety and resources. Only two regions offer public funding, leaving women's choices dictated by where they live. The debate pits patient autonomy against a revered hospital-based system.
Swedish Parliament's website faced a hours-long outage on Sunday, disrupting access to legislative information. This followed similar tech issues with the Armed Forces site, raising concerns about government digital reliability. Authorities restored service but have not identified the cause, highlighting vulnerabilities in e-government infrastructure.
A Swedish man has been convicted for receiving 185,000 SEK in sick pay while working. The case highlights the strict enforcement of benefit fraud laws in Sweden's welfare system. It raises questions about reporting duties and system integrity.
Swedish regions report severe complications, including an infant death, from unassisted home births. Medical experts warn of unpredictable risks, while acknowledging systemic trust issues driving some women away from hospitals. The cases highlight a tense debate between patient choice and medical safety.
The Swedish government proposes eliminating the notification requirement for parental benefit, simplifying access for parents from July 1, 2024. This reform aims to cut bureaucratic red tape and improve efficiency in the welfare system.
Swedish police report 143 cases of alleged rape against women over 60 since 2022, with suspects being unknown men, primarily in care roles. The data reveals systemic vulnerabilities and a shocking absence of accompanying physical violence, highlighting the targeted exploitation of the elderly.
A driver in Åkersberga, Sweden, tried to run over children after they threw snowballs at his car. The children escaped unharmed, but the man faces serious charges. This shocking event raises questions about community safety and legal consequences.
Two children in Åkersberga had a miraculous escape after a driver tried to run them over following a snowball fight. Police are hunting for the suspect and appealing for witnesses. Read about the terrifying incident and its legal implications.
A major fire in a Malmö industrial workshop has sent smoke across the E65 highway, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries are reported, but firefighting could take hours, disrupting traffic and highlighting urban safety challenges in Sweden.
The Social Democrats have reversed their position, demanding an immediate halt to deportations of young adults raised in Sweden. This major policy shift creates a potential parliamentary majority against the government's strict rules, forcing a high-stakes political confrontation.
A former Danderyd Hospital employee faces charges for stealing patient jewelry worth over 1 million SEK. Police used her sales history to link items to victims, including an engraved watch from a deceased patient. The case highlights vulnerabilities in healthcare hiring and the deep personal toll of such thefts.
Two parents in Sweden have been arrested for the aggravated assault of their newborn baby, who suffered multiple rib fractures and bruises. The parents claim injuries occurred during CPR, but medical evidence contradicts this. The case highlights Sweden's legal and social services responses to child abuse.
Sweden's government proposes ending asylum seekers' right to choose where they live, a major reversal of 1990s policy. The new law would assign housing and restrict movement to specific counties. Migration Minister Johan Forssell says the current system fuels segregation and has let thousands vanish.
Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Åkesson publicly rebuked his own party's migration spokesperson after criticism of Jokkmokk municipality. The clash reveals internal strain over the government's controversial repatriation grant policy, leading to the local SD chapter disbanding.
Over 200 driving tests proceeded in Stockholm despite weather warnings, on the same day a traffic inspector died during a test. Trafikverket is now reviewing its safety protocols and decision-making processes. This tragedy raises critical questions about risk management in public services.
Mikael Nordström was abused at the Eolshäll boys' home 40 years ago. Denied compensation because he was registered as a 'boarder' and not a 'foster child,' he now seeks accountability from Stockholm city, which refuses to investigate its role.
A Swedish municipality is formally proposing that employees use paid wellness hours for sex to boost local birth rates. The motion, now under official review, highlights drastic local measures to counter national population decline. This tests the boundaries of Swedish workplace policy and demographic strategy.
A fierce debate over deporting teenagers who turn 18 has split Swedish politics. The government is reviewing transitional rules while opposition parties push for a full ban. The outcome will redefine family unity in Sweden's migration system.
The Swedish government is under fire for delaying a crucial 192 million kronor funding decision for public broadcaster SVT. Coalition partner the Liberal Party is openly criticizing Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand, while the opposition alleges a deliberate plan to undermine public service. The crisis highlights deep political divisions over media policy.
Sweden's parking laws don't change in winter, but snow can make them hard to follow. We break down the rules, the two types of fines you can get, and how to avoid or dispute a ticket. Stay informed and park smart this season.