In light of the upcoming Icelandic presidential election, we asked all candidates to answer some pressing questions. One of them said:
Helga Thorisdottir
Please let us know your name, age, and current occupation.
Helga Thorisdóttir, 55 years old. Director Personne Verund (on leave)
Why do you want to be president?
I believe I can be a very good president. I am passionate about the interests of the Icelandic people. As a public interest lawyer he has worked for 29 years and most recently as head of Persónuvernd for about 8 years. I speak English, French and Danish and have extensive experience in international cooperation. I have worked in international environments and hosted international conferences and seminars around the world. Thanks to my experience and knowledge, I decided to run for office in order to come forward and serve the people of Iceland well in this important and respected position at home and abroad. .
Why should people vote for you as president instead of other candidates?
I have demonstrated integrity, determination and integrity in my work. I've never been involved in politics, so I'm warm and objective. I have also shown that I am not afraid to make difficult decisions and stand behind the nation when necessary. In such cases, my experience will be helpful.
I also believe that the nation should have a voice in decision-making regarding the most important issues concerning the nation. This also applies to our most important resources and human rights. If it is clear that Congress does not reflect the will of the people, as President I will intervene and call a referendum to leave the decision to the people.
What is the role of the president and how do you fulfill it?
The president plays a formal role in the governance of the country. He not only has political influence but also the power to veto laws. The president also plays an important role in promoting Iceland abroad, as well as undertaking various tasks for the local community. He is the patron of many organizations and is recognized as a symbol of national unity. The president needs to know his society and be culturally literate.
I serve as President as a representative of my country, nation and Icelandic culture. As a lawyer, I'm used to all the procedures a president has to go through. I believe that my language skills and experience in international cooperation, having lived overseas, will be useful when entertaining foreign guests visiting heads of state and when presidents travel around the world. Being attentive to people and being able to put myself in other people's shoes has also helped me in my work. I believe these are the qualities a president needs to carry out his duties and unite the nation for a better society. I also need to use my voice as president to support the Icelandic language, our country's heritage of excellence, and to support foreigners who want to live here and care for the welfare of our elderly. I would like to emphasize the gender.
What is not the role of the president?
The president should not get involved in political controversy. He must obey established laws.
If elected, what would be your first task as president?
I request an evaluation report. That is, when the President's presence or participation is required in future matters. Furthermore, I would like to try to reduce the emphasis on the agenda of preserving the Icelandic language….
If elected, are you going to put a cap on how many terms you are expected to serve?
I believe that staying in power too long is not good for anyone. The presidential term is four years, and I think two or three terms is enough for him.
What do you think about the presidential veto?
As I mentioned earlier, I believe that the people should be guaranteed the right to have a say in decision-making regarding the country's most important issues. The right to appeal is a positive right that should be used if the situation arises.
Under what circumstances do you think it is appropriate to use a presidential veto?
A country should be ruled. If parliamentarians pass laws regarding our most important resources (such as fisheries or energy) or human rights, and their decisions do not reflect the will of the people, I, as president, will intervene and call a referendum. We intend to allow the people to make a decision by calling on them. .
What do you think about the constitutional amendment?
The current constitution fulfills its role well and its fundamental values are maintained. Additionally, updating the Bill of Human Rights in 1995 was a good and necessary step. However, certain customs have developed in the implementation of the Constitution, which need to be better reflected in the Constitution. For example, if the president does not support a particular activity, he should be more explicit.
If elected, how do you envision interacting with other heads of state?
fun! We would be happy to host foreign heads of state and strengthen cultural ties between nations. Nations perform best among themselves by meeting other nations and comparing their experiences. Let's learn from each other and foster more opportunities for Iceland's businesses, culture and blossoming society.
If you have a spouse/partner, how active do you expect them to be while working at Bessastaðir?
My husband is Theodor Johansson. He is a physiotherapist, as a physiotherapist he has been working for 30 years and is one of the owners of Sjúkraþjálfun Reykjavíkurog Garðabæjar. He fully supports my Icelandic presidential campaign, and I envision him fully participating as the president's spouse.
Which former president would you like to emulate and why?
In my opinion they all did a good day's work and we can learn a lot from all of them. Ideally, I would like to highlight the sophistication and grace that Vigdis Finnbogadóttir brings to the presidency, and the calmness of Kristian Ercan.
This article contains full responses from one presidential candidate. Click here to see what other candidates have to say.
