Iceland Elects Feminist Entrepreneur Halla Tómasdóttir as President

 

Halla Tómasdóttir, a feminist entrepreneur and former financial services executive, is set to become Iceland’s next president, succeeding Guðni Th. Jóhannesson. Tómasdóttir won the June elections with just over 34% of the vote, surpassing a competitive field that included former Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir.

Tómasdóttir, who will be the seventh president of Iceland since the republic’s formation in 1944, is set to make history as the second woman to hold the office. She follows Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, who became the world’s first democratically elected female president in 1980.

The 55-year-old Tómasdóttir has a background in both business and activism. She co-founded Auður Capital, a financial services company, and later led The B Team, a non-profit established by Sir Richard Branson. Her campaign focused on issues such as artificial intelligence, tourism, and the impact of social media on mental health. Tómasdóttir emphasized generational equality and expressed a desire to ensure future generations inherit a society with equal opportunities.

Despite her successful campaign, Tómasdóttir has faced criticism regarding her involvement with a car dealership. A Facebook post featuring her with an electric car raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, although she clarified that the publicity was shared without her consent and that she did receive a discount.

Outgoing President Jóhannesson, who is stepping down after eight years, held a final reception at Bessastaðir, the presidential residence, to honor workers involved in infrastructure projects following recent volcanic eruptions. He also hosted an open house for the public to tour the residence.

Tómasdóttir’s inauguration, scheduled for Thursday, will commence with a religious service at Reykjavík Cathedral, followed by a formal ceremony in the Icelandic parliament. The event will be attended by former presidents, parliament members, and media, and will be broadcast to the public.

As Iceland’s new president, Tómasdóttir will hold a largely ceremonial role but will serve as an important symbolic figure for the country, particularly in the wake of recent volcanic activity near Grindavík.