To fulfil a promise

The parliament was dissolved this week and with that, the election campaign for the parliamentary elections on 25 September really began. These elections will mark a new beginning, either a renewed mandate for the sitting government or a new one for the nation.

More parties than ever will be running. Increased public interest in political participation is encouraging, as candidates have in common a desire to improve society. We have different opinions on methods and actions, but our shared goal is to work for the common good.

At the start of this parliamentary term, the government set ambitious goals for itself. These have been more or less achieved, whether looking at softer or harder issues. Systemic changes have occurred in important policy areas, as well as long-overdue shifts in attitudes. The policy areas of the Progressive Ministers have flourished during the term, and with care for people in mind, we have succeeded in fulfilling nearly all our promises from the government agreement. The living conditions and quality of life for students have significantly improved, the number of qualified teachers has increased, rights and development opportunities have been enhanced, and collaboration between the authorities and key individuals in the education system has increased. The balance between academic and vocational education has greatly improved, universities have been opened to skilled workers, and a fundamental change has occurred in attitudes toward vocational and technical training. The Icelandic Academy of Arts is now a house, funding for arts and culture funds has significantly increased, book publishing is flourishing due to public support for book publishing in Icelandic, and Icelandic film production has been placed on an appropriate pedestal, with a clear direction and targeted actions. We have created an exciting framework for the performing arts with new laws, secured better funding for adult and higher education, enacted legislation on folk schools, expanded the author’s library fund, prepared cultural houses across the country, and executed various projects – new school buildings for art, vocational and academic education, national sports facilities, etc. We have safeguarded educational operations during the pandemic and supported sports and cultural organizations so that they can emerge from the crisis.

The accomplishments are comparable in other ministries of the Progressive Party – where children’s rights have received unprecedented attention and various systemic changes have yielded excellent results and justice improvements. Parental leave has been extended, new housing solutions have been introduced, and the social system has been strengthened. In the Ministry of Transport and Local Government, the minister has resolved complex issues, facilitated long-awaited transportation improvements, and promoted increased equality between rural areas and the capital region, for example, with the so-called Loftbrú (Sky Bridge).

The fulfilment of electoral promises is the best indication voters can have about the future. During this parliamentary term, the Progressive Party has nurtured society through good cooperation with others, open-mindedness, and moderation. We have shown courage in action, and society has benefited from it. We wish to continue our good work, in collaboration with anyone who shares our vision for a good society.

Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Education and Culture and Member of Parliament for the Progressive Party.

The article was first published in Morgunblaðið on 14 August 2021.