New Faroese Government takes office

A Government of the Unionist Party (Sambandsflokkurin), the People’s Party (Fólkaflokkurin) and the Centre Party (Miðflokkurin), took office today. The Government is headed by Mr. Bárður á Steig Nielsen, chairman of the Unionist Party, with seven ministers; three from the Unionist Party, three from the People’s Party and one from the Centre Party.

In the new Government, parties spanning the political spectrum from the centre to the right intend to make the Faroe Islands an outstanding society.

The government’s main priorities, in heading for economic, financial, social and regional stability, are:

• Responsible economic policies and growth
• Emphasis on health-care security and sustainability
• Emphasis on innovative and sustainable energy solutions and environmental policies
• Focus on innovation and long-term solutions that also restrict centralisation trends
• Restructuring of the public pensions systems primarily to benefit those who do not have other income streams to rely on.

 The Ministers of the Government:

• Mr Jørgen Niclasen (Fólkaflokkurin), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
• Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen (Sambandsflokkurin), Minister of Health
• Jacob Vestergaard (Framsókn) Minister of Fisheries
• Jenis av Rana (Miðflokkurin), Minister of Foreign Affairs and Education
• Elsebeth Mercedis Gunnleygsdóttur (Fólkaflokkurin), Minister of Social Affairs
• Helgi Abrahamsen (Sambandsflokkurin), Minister of Trade and Environment

 In its first session since the election of 31 August, the Faroese Parliament appointed Bárður á Steig Nielsen, chairman of the Unionist Party, as the Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands.

In his address to the Parliament at the weekend, the Prime Minister said: 

“Fourteen days ago, the people of the Faroe Islands chose a new course – a course where we get back on track, a course with security and stability. The Centre Party, the People’s Party and the Unionist Party have now set this course. “

“The world is experiencing great change. On a domestic level, the demands on us as a society become ever greater. Considering these demands and challenges we need to commit to long-term political agendas as well as tangible innovation and reforms.”