– That’s Why I’m Running for Office.

The last four years as a member of Tórshavn City Council have been incredibly exciting and insightful. There have, of course, been challenging periods, as political progress demands hard work – especially on issues that affect all of us and urgently need higher prioritisation. I understand the effort required, and I am ready to put in the necessary hours, because we must focus on citizen welfare, public childcare facilities, diversified housing options, protecting nature, and taking climate action.

Although Tjóðveldi has been in opposition for the past four years, we have collaborated across party lines and delivered several key outcomes, which I am proud of. These include:

• Securing funding for a project to preserve the natural environment on the island of Koltur
• Procuring two electric public buses
• Completing the project to erect a statue of Andrea Árting, a pioneer for women’s trade unions and labour rights in the early 1900s
• Prioritising funding for climate action
• Prioritising funding for Faroe Pride

However, some significant issues remain unresolved.

Our work has yet to address important priorities such as a strategic plan to improve the wellbeing of children and employees in public childcare facilities, sufficient funding for climate action and environmental protection, and better access to rehabilitation services for our elderly citizens. These are just a few of the initiatives we proposed for the council’s agenda over the last four years, but were blocked by the majority coalition. These issues, along with others, are deeply important to me, and I am determined to continue serving the citizens of Tórshavn to address them.

Tórshavn belongs to all of us, and the municipality should incorporate social and environmental sustainability into its growth and development plans. Green solutions must be easily accessible, and citizens should be able to enjoy the natural environment with ease.

Diversity strengthens our city, and the services provided by the municipality should cater to the diverse needs of its residents. In the coming years, it will be crucial to expand housing options for the elderly, youth, and students, and ensure housing costs are within the financial means of the average citizen. All new housing developments should adhere to environmentally sound practices and policies.

We must also confront the pressing issues in public care facilities for both children and the elderly. Both service users and employees deserve better conditions to improve their wellbeing, and they should be given adequate support to carry out the essential task of caring for others.

Fortunately, we have proposals and solutions ready for immediate implementation. That is why I hope voters will trust me to continue working on behalf of our citizens, our natural environment, and our community over the next four years.

I hope my priorities and passions resonate with yours, and I look forward to continuing our dialogue throughout the upcoming election campaign on how we can best work together for the citizens of our municipality.