On the shovel

The Progress Party presented its lists across the country last weekend. It involves strong and hard-working people with great experience and diverse backgrounds who want to contribute positively to society. Likewise, it is gratifying to see new people join the group and further strengthen the party, as there was significant demand to be placed on the party's list for the upcoming elections to pave the way for a collaborative approach.

It is an honour to work for Iceland in this capacity, but it also comes with significant responsibility. For 108 years, the Progress Party, the oldest political party in the country, has contributed to guiding the nation and enhancing quality of life here. It is not taken for granted that a political force can reach such an old age. Behind it lies tireless work by grassroots members and elected representatives of the party over the decades, who have upheld the party's principles. Election after election, voters have trusted the party to do good for the country and its people, as the nation knows the Progress Party, and the Progress Party knows the nation.

In the coalition cooperation that the party has been part of, it has focused on the projects that were put forth rather than participating in public disputes with other parties. In the upcoming elections, we will continue to advocate for the urgent projects that must be addressed in the coming months, as they matter for the nation. First and foremost are the reduction of inflation and interest rates, which is the largest single issue for households and businesses. There were positive signs when the Central Bank lowered its key interest rates with its last decision. It is fundamentally essential to create a framework so that this development can continue and not be delayed due to any political gymnastics. The approval of responsible budgets, such as those currently before parliament, is a key element. They initiate increased prioritisation in public finances that align with government actions for long-term wage agreements in the labour market. While working towards achieving greater balance in the operation of the government with a no-deficit operation and reducing debt ratios even further, it must be ensured that the public sector can continue to invest in people and infrastructure across the country in a responsible and sensible manner.

Now with 32 days until the elections, it is clear that much life is still to enter the game. The most enjoyable part of politics is the conversation with voters in the country about our work and vision for the future. A lot of good has been achieved in recent years, and there are various opportunities to do better. Such is the course of life. We have not shied away from being on the ground and working hard to improve our society, as politics should be about that. We in the Progress Party are ready for the boats and look forward to the coming weeks.

Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, Minister of Culture and Business and Deputy Chair of the Progress Party.

The article was first published in Morgunblaðið on 29 October 2024.