Politics and plans on the Faroe Islands

Election posters hung in Tórshavn in the run-up to the general election on 31 August 2019, where nine parties were on the ballot. TRÓNDUR DALSGARÐ/RITZAU SCANPIX

The Faroese political system is based on parliamentary democracy. At general elections, 33 representatives are elected to the Løgting for a four-year period. The Faroe Islands were organised into one constituency in 2007; before then the country was organised into seven constituencies. All bills must go through three readings in the Løgting, and passed bills are confirmed by the Prime Minister and then announced on the official notice portal. All laws and executive orders are available in the collection of laws at logir.fo.

According to the Danish Constitutional Act, two representatives from the Faroe Islands must be elected to the Danish Parliament. Sambandsflokkurin (B) and Javnaðarflokkurin (C) each have their own representative in 2022: Edmund Joensen (B) and Sjúrður Skaale (C). The turnout in recent years has been 60‑70 %.

The Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands is elected by the Løgting if there is no majority against the proposed Prime Minister. The Prime Minister appoints the members of the Faroese Government. The Prime Minister manages and coordinates the work of the Faroese Government. According to the local Faroese administration, the Prime Minister distributes the field of affairs between the members of the Government.

The large hall in the Nordic House in Tórshavn formed the setting for the final party leaders’ debate on 20 January 2004 before the upcoming general election. THOMAS BORBERG/RITZAU SCANPIX

Relations between the Faroe Islands and Denmark are based on the Home Rule Act from 1948, called the Home Rule Arrangement, and power is thus divided between the Danish and Faroese authorities. With the new Løgting Act from 1994, a system of ministerial responsibility replaced the previous one with collegial governance. The Faroese Prime Minister oversees ‘that each individual member of the Government administers his or her affairs in a legal and responsible manner’ (Article 33(3) of the local Faroese administration). Before the Faroese Government takes over, a government agreement is formulated that describes the goals that the Government has set for itself during its term in office.

On 13th of September 2019, the current government was formed between Sambandsflokkurin (B), Fólkafokkurin (A) and Miðflokkurin (H). Bárður á Steig Nielsen, chairman of Sambandsflokkurin, was elected as Prime Minister on 14 September. The Government has 17 of the 33 seats in the Løgting. The Government has six members in addition to the Prime Minister.

The political parties

After the election in 2019, seven parties are represented in the Løgting. Their share of the seats in the Løgting is determined based on their share of the votes, as the electoral system is proportional representation. Voter turnout is high, usually between 85 and 90 %. In 2019, the turnout was 90 %.

The parties are the following:

Sambandsflokkurin (The Unionist Party) (B) was the first party in the Faroe Islands, founded in 1906. A main goal of the party is to preserve the Unity of the Realm between the Faroe Islands, Denmark and Greenland, and the line is centre-right and social-liberal. The party has seven seats in the Løgting (20.3 %). The chairman is Bárður á Steig Nielsen.
Javnaðarflokkurin (The Social Democratic Party) (C) was founded in 1925. It is social democratic and places great emphasis on solidarity and wants to preserve the Unity of the Realm. The party has seven seats in the Løgting (22.2 %). The chairman is Aksel V. Johannesen.
Fólkaflokkurin (The People’s Party) (A) was founded in 1939. It has conservative- liberal values, places great emphasis on freedom and business growth and has an independent Faroe Islands as its goal. The party has eight seats in the Løgting (24.5 %), and the chairman is Jørgen Niclasen.
Tjóðveldi (Republicans) (E) was founded in 1948. The party’s main goal is for the Faroe Islands to be a sovereign, independent country. It is leftwing and its party programme focuses on equality and solidarity. The party has six seats in the Løgting (18.1 %), and the chairman is Høgni Hoydal.
Sjálvstýri (The Independence Party) (D) was founded in 1906 and was formerly called Sjálvstýrisflokkurin. The party, whose main goal is to work for a gradual transition to self-government, is social liberal. It has one seat in the Løgting (3.4 %). The chairman is Jógvan Skorheim (who is not a member of the Løgting).
Miðflokkurin (The Centre Party) (H) was founded in 1992 and its policy is based on the Christian values and on the family as an institution. The party program states that the Faroese nation should have full decision-making power and responsibility. The party has two seats in the Løgting (5.4 %). The chairman is Jenis av Rana.
Framsókn (The Liberal Nationalistic Party) (F) was founded in 2011 as a liberal, nationalist party that focuses on personal and professional freedom. The party wants the Faroe Islands to gain sovereignty. It has two seats in the Løgting (4.6 %); the chairwoman is Ruth Vang.

Tensions in Faroese politics

New housing blocks in Hoyvík by Tórshavn in 2021. Housing construction in Hoyvík has developed explosively in recent decades. ÓLAVUR FREDERIKSEN/TRAP FAROE ISLANDS

The question of secession or unity with Denmark has been a point of contention for many decades. The main goal of the Faroese Government consisting of Fólkaflokkurin, Tjóðveldi and Sjálvstýrisflokkurin, which took over the leadership in 1998, was for the Faroe Islands to be independent, and it was therefore popularly called the ‘independence government’. A Faroese foundation was to be the basis for independence. Negotiations took place with the Danish government for independence and an interim arrangement, but no agreement was reached between the countries, and disagreements arose in the Faroese government about the referendum on independence.

Gender distribution among candidates for municipal elections and elected members in the period 1992‑2020 in absolute figures. KVF.FO, 2020

The Faroe Islands’ relationship with Denmark is regularly part of the political debate, and although the question of unity or secession has not been much debated in recent years, it is an important dimension in Faroese politics. To understand Faroese politics, however, it is not enough to look exclusively at the right-left and secessionunity dimensions. An at least equally important parameter is worldview or understanding of values on a scale from conservative to liberal. In connection with the consideration in the Løgting and in the public debate in 2016 about changing the Marriage Act to allow two people of the same sex to get married, the different understandings of values came out clearly. The conservatives wanted marriage to be maintained as an institution between a man and a woman, while the liberals wanted to allow marriage between two of the same sex. For example, Miðflokkurin, whose values are conservative, strongly advocated not adopting the law amendment, while Framsókn, whose values are liberal, recommended voting for the bill. The debate was often violent and emotions strong, both in the Løgting and in the public debate. The bill was passed (19 in favour, 14 against).

Added to this is the tension between the capital area (centre) and the rest of the country (periphery); local political considerations have a strong presence in Faroese politics. In recent years, the question of how the fishing resources should be distributed has dominated, and this has indeed brought the tension between the country’s different areas to light. This was particularly evident during the last government (2015‑19), when Javnaðarflokkurin, Tjóðveldi and Framsókn had the main goal of implementing a fisheries reform. During the consideration of the bill on the administration of sea resources (the fisheries reform), the dispute about the resources flared up between politicians on Norðoyggjar and politicians in the capital area. The reason for the fierce resistance on Norðoyggjar was the fear of losing the fishing rights, which are of decisive economic importance for Klaksvík and Norðoyggjar.

When decisions have to be made about drilling tunnels and expanding the road network, it is clear that local political considerations and interests weigh heavily. Politicians will basically work for the area in which they have received the most votes.

Before the Eysturoy Tunnel opened in 2020, the travel time between Runavík and Tórshavn was about one hour. With the new tunnel, the travel time between the two towns has come down to about 15 minutes. One can only guess whether the shortened physical distance will eventually manifest itself in a less conflicted relationship between centre and periphery.

The Faroese Government’s main goal

With a battery system specially developed for the Faroe Islands’ electricity system, SEV’s wind farm in Húsahagi outside Tórshavn marked a significant step forward in the green transition. ÓLAVUR FREDERIKSEN, 2019

One of the main goals of the coalition agreement is to restructure fisheries and thus make major changes to the system adopted by the previous CEF government. Early in the ABH government’s term in office, the Løgting passed the Marine Resources Act, which, among other things, abolished the auction of fishing rights and gave the industry use permits with a 12- year notice period, which the Løgting needs to confirm every year. It is generally agreed that the fishing industry must be sustainable and that the framework for this industry should be permanent and secure and not change significantly depending on which parties are in power. But there is widespread disagreement about how the fishery should be managed. The government has set out to pursue an ambitious energy and environmental policy that meets international requirements. The main goal for the energy area is for 100 % of consumption on land to be covered by renewable energy in 2030, which is estimated to require investments for about DKK 5 to 10 billion. Efforts are being made for private companies to have better access to SEV’s electricity grid in order to produce green energy. The aim is for a treatment guarantee to be established in the healthcare sector to make sure that waiting times to receive treatment will be no more than 30 days. The Faroese Government is also working to expand the housing market, and the plan is for the task to be carried out by both private actors and the public sector. Population growth in recent years has put the housing market under pressure, particularly in the capital area. Therefore, the issue has been a key subject in political initiatives and the public debate. One issue that several governments have been working on is new legislation in the social field. On 1st of January 2021, the Social Security and Services Act entered into force after the bill had been passed unanimously. Another area that enjoys wide support is digitalisation. In 2020, the use of digital identity started, which means that citizens and businesses can communicate securely and digitally with the public sector. An area that is sensitive and complicated for the Faroese Government is the issue of access to the outfield and regulation of the tourism industry. This is the cause of great disagreement, as the considerations are many and the interests are different. Efforts are therefore being made to find a satisfactory and broad solution. Several matters enjoy broad political support. Examples include green energy, free trade agreement with the EU and more powers in the field of foreign policy.

Thousands of participants joined the 2016 Faroe Pride parade in Tórshavn to show their solidarity with the LGBT community in the country. It is said that as much as 10 % of the population participates in the annual event. TRONDUR DALSGARD/GONZALES PHOTO/RITZAU SCANPIX

The Faroe Islands in the international community

The Løgting generally agrees that the Faroe Islands should be given greater leeway on the scene of foreign policy. There have been several rounds of negotiations at official level, and at regular intervals, the issue is discussed at meetings between the government leaders in the Unity of the Realm. However, results have been vanishingly few and small, which is a challenge.

As part of the Arctic, the Faroese Government will strengthen the Faroe Islands’ position, especially in the maritime area, in the emergency preparedness and with future resources in mind. In the Faroe Islands, the view is that the Arctic area should be an area of low tension.

The Faroe Islands are part of NATO, and today there is broad agreement on membership. Historically, however, the issue of NATO has led to controversy and demonstrations, especially in the 1960s and 1970s.

The country has major commercial interests in both the USA, Russia and China, and the goal is to have good trade relations with all three superpowers. In 2020, the Faroe Islands and the USA signed a Partnership Declaration, which aims to strengthen cooperation between the countries.

Prime Ministers in the period 2004-22

Procession in Tórshavn at ólavsøka on 29 July 2021. The members of the Løgting, members of the Faroese Government, the bishop, all the country’s vicars and the highest civil servants walk from the Løgting house to the cathedral. After a special service, they go back to the Løgting House, where the Prime Minister gives his opening speech. ÓLAVUR FREDERIKSEN/TRAP FAROE ISLANDS

Jóannes Dan Eidesgaard (b. 1951)

Prime Minister 2004‑08. Eidesgaard is a primary school teacher and was first elected to the Løgting for Javnaðarflokkurin in 1990. He was Minister for health and social affairs in 1991‑94, Minister for finance and Deputy Prime Minister in 1994‑96. Eidesgaard was first Prime Minister and then Minister for Finance after the 2008 election. He did not run again in 2011. He was also party chairman in the period 1996‑2011 and member of the Danish Parliament in the period 1998‑2001.

Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen (b. 1964)

Prime Minister 2008‑15. Johannesen is qualified as a shipmaster and was elected for the first time in 2002 for Sambandsflokkurin. In 2019, Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen became minister with responsibility for the health sector. Johannesen was party chairman in the period 2004‑15; he was an alternate member of the Danish Parliament in 2007 and a member of Tórshavn’s town council 1997‑2000.

Aksel V. Johannesen (b. 1972)

Prime Minister 2015‑19. Johannesen has a master’s degree in law and was elected to the Løgting for the first time in 2011 for Javnaðarflokkurin. He was Minister for Health in 2009‑11 and Finance in 2011, and he became party chairman in 2011. In 2012, he was also an alternate member of the Danish Parliament.

Bárður á Steig Nielsen (b. 1972)

Prime Minister since 2019. Nielsen is an accountant and was elected to the Løgting for the first time in 2002 for Sambandsflokkurin. In 2004, he became minister with responsibility for finances. He left politics in 2007, but was reelected to the Løgting in 2011 and became party chairman in 2015.

The 2008 Parliamentary Election

Opening of the Løgting in 1968. On the far left stands author and politician Karsten Hoydal. Number two from the left is the director and founder of Tórshavn Shipyard, Kjartan Mohr, who later became a politician and in 1958 founded the party Føroya Framburdsflokkur. On the far right is the later prime minister Christian Djurhuus. LEIF ANDERSEN/RITZAU SCANPIX

Favourable economic times marked the election campaign where promises were made of greater welfare and better services and offers for the Faroese. Ethical issues were also part of the election campaign such as the role of Christianity in societal matters.

Although Javnaðarflokkurin experienced a drop in support, the party, along with Sambandsflokkurin and Fólkaflokkurin, retained a majority after the election with 20 out of 33 seats in the Løgting. Javnaðarflokkurin formed a new government on 4 February 2008 with Tjóðveldisflokkurin and Miðflokkurin.

The Faroese Government: Jóannes Eidesgaard (Prime Minister, Javnaðarflokkurin). Appointed for Javnaðarflokkurin: Hans Pauli Strøm (social and health) and Helena Dam á Neystabø (justice); for Tjóðveldisflokkurin: Høgni Hoydal (foreign affairs), Tórbjørn Jacobsen (fisheries and resources), Kristina Háfoss (culture, 2008), Óluva Klettskarð (culture, 2008) and Bjørt Samuelsen (industry); for Miðflokkurin: Karsten Hansen (finance).

On 26 September 2008, a new Faroese Government was formed between Sambandsflokkurin, Fólkaflokkurin and Javnaðarflokkurin. The Faroese Government period 2008‑11 was characterised by many reshuffles.

The Faroese Government: Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen (Prime Minister, Sambandsflokkurin). Appointed for Sambandsflokkurin: Jóhan Dahl (industry, 2008‑11, fisheries, 2011) and Rósa Samuelsen (social); for Fólkaflokkurin: Jørgen Niclasen (2008‑11), Jacob Vestergaard (foreign affairs, 2011), Jacob Vestergaard (fisheries, 2008‑11) and Annika Olsen (domestic affairs, 2008‑11); for Javnaðarflokkurin: Jóannes Eidesgaard (2008‑11), Aksel V. Johannesen (finance, 2011), Hans Pauli Strøm (2008‑09), Aksel V. Johannesen (2009‑11) and John Johannesen (health, from 2011 domestic affairs). Helena Dam á Neystabø (culture, 2008‑11, municipalities, 2011).

The 2011 Parliamentary Election

Session in the Løgting in 2020 in the modernised Løgting chamber. ÓLAVUR FREDERIKSEN/TRAP FAROE ISLANDS

Due to the economic crisis, the economy became the main theme of the election. The deficit on the Budget and different models for taxation of income were discussed extensively during the election campaign. Challenges and ownership in the fishing sector were also debated extensively leading up to the election.

The election result was a vote of confidence in Sambandsflokkurin and Prime Minister Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen. Fólkaflokkurin also had a good election, while support for the left-of-centre parties, Javnaðarflokkurin and Tjóðveldisflokkurin, declined.

On the 14th of November 2011, a right-of-centre government was formed consisting of Sambandsflokkurin, Fólkaflokkurin, Miðflokkurin and Sjálvstýrisflokkurin.

The Faroese Government: Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen (Prime Minister, Sambandsflokkurin). Appointed for Sambandsflokkurin: Bjørn Kalsø (culture) and Jóhan Dahl (industry and business); for Fólkaflokkurin: Jørgen Niclasen (finance), Jákup Mikkelsen (2011‑12), Jacob Vestergaard (fisheries, 2012‑15) and Annika Olsen (social); for Miðflokkurin: Karsten Hansen (health); for Sjálvstýrisflokkurin: Kári P. Højgaard (domestic affairs, 2011‑13). The government area for domestic affairs was abolished in 2013, and Sjálvstýrisflokkurin was not represented in the Government in the period 2013‑15.

The 2015 Parliamentary Election

The handling of the boom was a main theme in the election campaign. Topics such as deficit on the Budget, the wish for more revenue for the public sector and tax cuts characterised many of the debates leading up to the election. The other major election theme was the expected fisheries reform. The election was a big victory for Javnaðarflokkurin. The opposition made progress, while support for all the parties in the Faroese Government declined.

On 15th of September 2015, a new Faroese Government was formed between Javnaðarflokkurin, Tjóðveldi and Framsókn.

The Faroese Government: Aksel V. Johannesen (Prime Minister, Javnaðarflokkurin). Appointed for Javnaðarflokkurin: Henrik Old (2015‑18), Heðin Mortensen (traffic, 2018‑19), Eyðgunn Samuelsen (social) and Rigmor Dam (culture, 2015‑19); for Tjóðveldi: Høgni Hoydal (fisheries and culture, 2019), Kristina Háfoss (finance) and Sirið Stenberg (social and domestic affairs); for Framsökn: Poul Michelsen (foreign affairs, industry and business) and Hanna Jensen (education, 2019).

In 2019, the government area of culture was divided into education and culture and was transferred from Javnaðarflokkurin to Framsókn and Tjóðveldi, respectively.

The 2019 Parliamentary Election

Disagreement about the fisheries reform, growing tourism, a housing market under pressure and conversion to green energy were key topics in the run-up to the election. The opposition won the election, and Fólkaflokkurin became the country’s largest party, while support for the three parties in the Faroese Government coalition declined.

On 13th of September 2019, a new Faroese Government was formed between Sambandsflokkurin, Fólkaflokkurin and Miðflokkurin.

The Faroese Government: Bárður á Steig Nielsen (Prime Minister, Sambandsflokkurin). Appointed for Sambandsflokkurin: Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen (health), Helgi Abrahamsen (2019‑21), Magnus Rasmussen (environment, trade and industry, from 2021); for Fólkaflokkurin: Jørgen Niclasen (2019‑22), Uni Rasmussen (finance, from 2022), Jacob Vestergaard (2019‑21) Árni Skaale (fisheries, from 2022), Elsebeth Mercedis Gunnleygsdóttir (2019‑21) and Sólvit Emilsson Nolsø (social, from 2022); for Miðflokkurin: Jenis av Rana (foreign affairs and culture, from 2019).