Swedish PM Says Baltic Sea Now ‘High Risk’ after Suspected Cable Sabotage

THE GUARDIAN: Regional leaders meet after undersea telecoms cables severed, while Chinese ship remains at anchor nearby

The Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, has said the Baltic sea is now a “high risk” zone as he met Nordic and Baltic leaders days after a suspected sabotage attack on undersea cables.

The Swedish prime minister declined to speculate on who may have been responsible for the severing of two fibre optic telecoms cables in the Baltic last week. A Chinese ship – the Yi Peng 3 – that sailed over the cables about the time they were severed has remained anchored in the Kattegat strait between Sweden and Denmark since 19 November.

China’s foreign ministry has denied any responsibility in the matter. » | Miranda Bryant, Nordic correspondent | Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Michael Lambert: Gothenburg, Sweden Shows How Far the UK Has Fallen behind since Brexit

Oct 19, 2024 | This week, I have visited Gothenburg in Sweden to make another video showing how the quality of life in cities within the EU compares with that of cities in the UK following Brexit. Gothenburg (Göteborg) is the second city of Sweden with a population of around 600,000. It is a clean, well-run city with nice streets and plenty of parks. I saw no empty shops, charity shops, pound shops, betting shops, graffiti or litter. The city was busy, with of plenty of people out shopping.

The food in the supermarket, especially fresh fruit, was outstanding. Prices in restaurants were reasonably and the food was amazing.

Sweden is a progressive country where university education is free, healthcare is inexpensive or free and where parents of new babies can share up to 18 months maternity/paternity leave on 90% of normal pay.

Recently Sweden has become known for violent crime, but this is almost exclusively within immigrant communities and relates to drug gangs who now operate in Sweden.

Far-right Leader Who Burned Copies of Qur’an Goes On Trial in Sweden

THE GUARDIAN: Rasmus Paludan is accused of incitement against an ethnic group and insult in relation to gatherings in 2022

A far-right Danish-Swedish politician who burned copies of the Qur’an in Sweden has gone on trial charged with incitement against an ethnic group.

Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the Danish political party Stram Kurs (Hard Line), is the first person to go on trial in Sweden in relation to Qur’an burnings.

He refused to attend Malmö district court as proceedings began on Monday, saying his life would be in danger if he went to the southern Swedish city. Instead, he appeared by video link from an undisclosed location in Sweden.

Paludan, 42, is charged with two counts of incitement against an ethnic group and one count of insult in relation to gatherings held in Sweden in 2022. »

Sweden’s ‘Snitch Law’ Immigration Plan Prompts Alarm Across Society

THE GUARDIAN: Proposal, which would force public sector workers to report undocumented people, decried as ‘utterly inhumane’

Doctors, social workers and librarians are among those in Sweden who have sounded the alarm over a proposal being explored by a government-appointed committee that would force public sector workers to report undocumented people to authorities. » | Ashifa Kassam, European Community affairs correspondent | Sunday, August 11, 2024

Queen Silvia of Sweden | Full Documentary

Jan 21, 2024 | Queen Silvia of Sweden - In this exclusive interview series we meet some of the biggest names in the world today – the most important people shaping the future of media, business, science, the arts and public affairs.

Queen Silvia of Sweden (2005)
Director: Karl Olov Larsson
Genre: Documentary
Language: English
Synopsis:

Welcome to Stockholm and to the Royal Palace. In this day and age, royal families seem to make headlines only when they get married, or when the popular press knows scandals about their private lives. Here in Sweden, there are rumours, of course, and sometimes headlines, but the fact remains, the monarchy is very popular, and especially the Queen, Queen Silvia, by far the most admired and loved person in Sweden. Her Majesty the Queen has accepted to see us.


HM Queen Silvia is interviewed by Christin Ockrent »

EU Wants to Read Your PRIVATE Messages – But Outrage STALLS Final Vote

June 24, 2024 | The EU council of ministers has failed to pass a very controversial new regulation known as Chat Control. It would require apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram to scan private messages before they are sent to the receiver in an attempt to combat the spread of unlawful content on these apps. The proposal by Swedish commissioner Ylva Johansson would allow all pictures and videos sent on these apps to be scanned and it would put an end to fully private and encrypted communication in the EU. In the council, the vote failed (but barely) due to the resistance of Germany and some other member states that argue that this is a huge and non-proportional violation of the basic right to privacy in the European Union.

‘It Might As Well Be Me’: Young Swedes Prepare for New Form of National Service

GUARDIAN EUROPE: Historically neutral Sweden prioritises civil defence amid concerns of preparing for possible war

Students at Anna Whitlocks in Stockholm who have been conscripted for military service as Sweden reintroduces form of national service Photograph: Miranda Bryant/The Guardian
When Hedda Johannesson, like most of her school year group, received a questionnaire to determine whether she would be conscripted for military service, she considered herself anti-war.

But, having passed the necessary intelligence, physical and psychological tests, the 18-year-old behavioural science student will soon spend 11 months learning about chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear warfare.

It’s been only a year and a half since Sweden submitted its Nato application, marking a sharp change in the historically neutral country’s approach to defence and international relations. But in recent weeks a looming sense of potential conflict has swept the country as citizens were warned to prepare themselves for the possibility of war. » | Miranda Bryant in Stockholm | Friday, January 19, 2024

Swedish Alarm after Defence Chiefs' War Warning

BBC: A warning to Swedes from two top defence officials to prepare for war has prompted concern and accusations of alarmism.

Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin told a defence conference "there could be war in Sweden".

His message was then backed up by military commander-in-chief Gen Micael Byden, who said all Swedes should prepare mentally for the possibility.

However, opposition politicians have objected to the tone of the warnings.

Ex-prime minister Magdalena Andersson told Swedish TV that while the security situation was serious, "it is not as if war is just outside the door." » | Paul Kirby, BBC News | Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Why Can't Sweden Get Gang Violence under Control? | Focus on Europe

Dec 10, 2023 | This has never happened before in Sweden: The government has called in the army to help combat rampant gang violence in the cities. The police seem overwhelmed, the politicians helpless. In 2022, 62 people were killed in shootings. And both perpetrators and victims are getting younger. During his research in Stockholm and Uppsala, our reporter wants to find out: Why is this wave of violence hitting 'tranquil' Sweden of all places...Why can't the authorities get it under control? Is the situation partly due to a failed integration policy? And: What are the ways out of the violence? Our reporter meets ex-gangsters, survivors, police officers and social workers. | Report: Gunnar Köhne

Diese Sendung ist auch auf Deutsch hier erhältlich.

Combatting Sweden's Surging Gang Violence | DW News

Nov 1, 2023 | The Swedish government has announced new plans for tougher law enforcement to try to break the cycle of gang violence that's risen to levels never before imagined. The government will also set up youth councils around the country. Teri Schultz visited the southern city of Helsingborg where local activists already have the model but need more money.

This is an appalling state of affairs! Social workers will not be able to put a stop to this despicabale behaviour. Full national service is the answer. (I believe that Sweden has only partial conscription.) A stint in the military. These young people need to be taught discipline, self-respect and how to respect others. – © Mark Alexander

What Happened to Our Country? Sweden Has Been Transformed by Multiculturalism - Lars Åberg

Oct 26, 2023 | Writer and journalist Lars Åberg reflects on how Sweden changed - seemingly overnight - from being a welcoming and tolerant country, to one plagued by ethnic division and danger. From our conference 'The Diversity Obsession: Can Europe Survive Multiculturalism'.

Western women need to start giving birth again. They need to start making babies instead of making careers. Feminism lies at the root of so many of our problems in Western societies. – © Mark Alexander

The Escalating Frequency of Quran Burnings in Sweden and Denmark Sparks Outrage in the Muslim World

Sep 4, 2023 | The burning of the Quran in Denmark and Sweden has raised security concerns both domestically and internationally for the traditionally secular Nordic nations. Denmark has recently suggested a ban on burning all sacred texts. Could this move by Copenhagen be a solution that balances the preservation of freedom of speech while also addressing security and diplomatic challenges?

That Denmark is re-introducing a form of blasphemy law to deal with these Quran burnings is as insane as it is outrageous. This will put Denmark, once a bastion of enlightened liberal values, on a fast track to the ‘New Dark Age’ I wrote of so many years ago!

It is not difficult to understand WHY the Danish government may conclude that this is the right political decision; but it is NOT. The re-introduction of ANY form of blasphemy law is WRONG. And it is wrong in so many ways and for so many reasons.

The blasphemy law in Denmark has only relatively recently been repealed. I am pretty sure that it was never, if ever, used by the Danish Christian community. But here, we are dealing with a very different community! The Muslim community will take every opportunity to use this law against any perceived transgressor. Be sure of one thing, Denmark: The Danish courts will used by Muslims to help firmly establish Islam’s hoped-for supremacy in the country.

By re-introducing a rejigged blasphemy law into the nation’s statute books, Denmark is embarking on a new journey on a very slippery and dangerous road.

This is the beginning of the end of true freedom for the Danes. – © Mark Alexander

Being Gay in Brazil vs Being Gay in Sweden

Feb 24, 2021 | First published in August, 2020. | Thiago is originally from the north of Brazil, but has been living in Sweden with his husband for the past 2.5 years. In this video, he discusses the differences between being gay in Brazil and neing gay in Sweden.

Köttbullar: How to Make Real Swedish Meatballs

Aug 26, 2023 | IKEA may have made them famous all over the world, but köttbullar existed before the furniture store was founded. Swedish meatballs are usually served with a special sauce, mashed potatoes, cucumber salad and lingonberries. We travelled to Gothenburg to learn more about the recipe of Sweden's national dish. But do they really come from Sweden? Let's find out.

Sweden Raises Terrorist Threat Level after Qur’an Burnings

THE GUARDIAN: Threat raised to second highest level as Sweden deems itself an ‘increased focus’ for Islamic extremists

Supporters of a radical Islamist party burn the Swedish flag during a rally in Karachi, Pakistan.Photograph: Fareed Khan/AP
Sweden has raised its terrorist threat level to the second highest number possible, amid heightened security fears following a string of Qur’an burnings that have caused outrage around the world.

Raising the threat level from three, meaning “heightened threat”, to four, “high threat” on the five-point scale, the Swedish security service (Säpo) said that in recent months Sweden has shifted from a “legitimate” to a “prioritised” target for acts of terror.

It is the first time since 2016 that the country has changed its threat level to four.

Making the announcement on Thursday in Stockholm, Charlotte von Essen, the director general of Säpo, said that Sweden was becoming an “increased focus” for Islamic extremists. » | Miranda Bryant in Copenhagen | Thursday, August 17, 2023

Profanations du Coran : la Suède relève son niveau d’alerte terroriste : Après que plusieurs profanations du Coran ont eu lieu sur son sol, le pays nordique s’inquiète des réactions qui font du pays une « cible prioritaire ». »

Al-Kaida ruft nach Koranverbrennung in Skandinavien zu Anschlägen auf: Die Terrorgruppe Al-Kaida reagiert auf die öffentlichen Koranverbrennungen: Sie ruft dazu auf, die Botschaften von Schweden und Dänemark zu sprengen. »

Swedish PM ‘Extremely Worried’ as More Apply to Burn Qur’an

THE GUARDIAN: Ulf Kristersson says ‘there is a clear risk of something serious happening’ amid growing Muslim anger at the attacks on Islam’s holy book

The Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, has said that he is “extremely worried” about the consequences if more demonstrations go ahead in which the Qur’an is desecrated, amid growing Muslim anger at a series of attacks on Islam’s holy book.

Attacks on the Qur’an in Sweden and Denmark have offended many Muslim countries, including Turkey, whose backing Sweden needs to join Nato – a goal of Stockholm’s after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Kristersson told the Swedish news agency TT that further requests had been filed with police for permission to hold protests where desecration of the Qur’an was again planned.

“If they are granted, we are going to face some days where there is a clear risk of something serious happening,” he said. “I am extremely worried about what it could lead to.” » | Reuters in Stockholm | Thursday, July 27, 2023

Turkey Backs Sweden's Nato Membership - Stoltenberg

BBC: Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to support Sweden's bid to join Nato, the military alliance's chief Jens Stoltenberg says.

He said the Turkish leader would forward Sweden's bid to the parliament in Ankara and "ensure ratification".

Meanwhile, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said: "I am very happy, it is a good day for Sweden."

Turkey had previously spent months blocking Sweden's application, accusing it of hosting Kurdish militants.

As one of Nato's 31 members, Turkey has a veto over any new country joining the group.

Reacting to the news, US President Joe Biden said he welcomed the commitment by President Erdogan to proceed with "swift ratification". » | BBC | Monday, July 10, 2023

Glücklich über das Ende der „Basarverhandlungen“: Erleichterung in Stockholm: Der türkische Präsident Erdogan hat seine Blockadepolitik aufgegeben. Die Regierung in Stockholm betont, man habe keine neuen Zugeständnisse gemacht, um den NATO-Beitritt möglich zu machen. »

Erdogan Says E.U. Must ‘Clear the Way’ for Turkey Before It Will Support Sweden’s NATO Bid

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The Turkish president’s surprising new demand was bound to frustrate other leaders in the military alliance one day before a high-profile summit.

“Nobody should expect compromise nor understanding from me,” said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. | Umit Bektas/Reuters
ISTANBUL — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey said on Monday that the European Union should open the way for Turkey to join the bloc before Turkey allows Sweden to join NATO, adding a surprising new condition that could further stall the military alliance’s efforts to expand.

Mr. Erdogan’s latest demand came a day before the opening of NATO’s two-day annual summit, where leaders, including President Biden, had hoped to secure unanimous approval from member states to allow Sweden to become the 32nd member.

That outcome now appears increasingly unlikely, with Mr. Erdogan posing the main obstacle to Sweden’s membership.

“First, clear the way for Turkey in the European Union, then we will clear the way for Sweden as we did for Finland,” Mr. Erdogan told reporters before traveling to the NATO summit. » | Ben Hubbard | Monday, July 10, 2023

‘You Are the Future of Europe,’ Erdogan Tells Turks: Calling Turks the “future of Europe,” Turkey’s president on Friday implored his compatriots living on the Continent to have multiple children as an act of revenge against the West’s “injustices.” »

Erdoğan Builds Another Mega-Mosque, This Time in Germany: The City Council of Wuppertal, a municipality in western Germany with a substantial Muslim population, has voted to approve the construction of a controversial new mega-mosque that will be controlled by the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a tireless propagator of political Islam in Europe. »

Erdogan is like Janus: His face looks in two directions! One minute he looks West; the next, East.

If Europe wants to be Islamized, its leaders need to pave the way for Turkey’s accession to the European Union. If, however, they want Europe to remain largely Judæo Christian, …

Tough choices lie ahead. – © Mark Alexander

NATO Responds to Swedish Quran Burning

Jun 29, 2023 | NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday that he understood the emotion caused by the burning of a copy of the Quran in Sweden but urged for a compromise over Sweden's accession to NATO.

Koran-burning Protest Could Further Delay Sweden's Bid to Join NATO • FRANCE 24 English

Jun 29, 2023 | A man tore up and burned a Koran outside Stockholm's central mosque on Wednesday, an event that risks angering Turkey as Sweden bids to join NATO, after Swedish police granted permission for the protest to take place.