On duty for seventy years

For 70 years, the Consumer Association has worked steadfastly for the benefit of consumers in Iceland. Many things have changed during this time and the Consumer Association has played an important role as an influential force for improved consumer protection. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely congratulate the Consumer Association on their big anniversary, which is being celebrated especially today.

Unity is important

It is crucial that we stand together on guard for consumer issues, not least in light of the inflationary trends that have occurred in recent times. Consumer issues are a classic subject and there is always room to do better. During the term of office, we expect ambitious reforms in the field of consumer protection. In the Ministry of Culture and Business, work is now underway on a comprehensive review of the institutional framework and several of the most important legislative acts in the field of consumer protection, along with work on policy-making in consumer issues. A part of this is to better support the work of the Consumer Association, and with a new agreement, their contributions have been increased. I believe it is important for the authorities to continue on this path with the interests of consumers as a guiding light.

Cooperation is important

The goals of improvements in consumer protection cannot be achieved without close and good cooperation between the authorities and the Consumer Association. It is extremely important for society to keep inflation in check, and this task needs to be approached from various directions. I have the firm belief that success is achieved when we all pull together and row in the same direction. For instance, it is important for consumers to be alert regarding pricing of goods and services and for companies not to raise prices beyond what can be deemed reasonable. This matters for living standards in our good country.

It is my hope that the Consumer Association will continue to be the pioneering force in consumer matters that the association has been and keep businesses and authorities on track for a long time to come.

Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Culture and Business and Vice Chairman of Framsókn.

The article first appeared in Fréttablaðið on 23 March 2023.