"To create uncertainty where there was none before"

Ingibjörg Isaksen, MP and chair of the Framsókn parliamentary group, discussed the land claim demands of the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs on all islands and skerries around the country and the massive public reaction they have provoked, during parliamentary proceedings.

Substantial concerns have emerged among local government officials across the country regarding the matter, and it has been said that "the statement of demands is a massive intervention in the assessment of property rights and the vision of numerous residents and landowners across the country. In addition, criticism has emerged that there has been no consultation with the owners of these islands."

"Instead of consultation or mail from the Wilderness Committee, owners hear about the demand through the media," said Ingibjörg, continuing, "most islands targeted by the demands are registered properties of individuals, municipalities, and other parties, and in some cases, the state has sold islands that it now intends to reclaim."

"The original purpose of enacting national land laws was to resolve disputes that had prevailed for decades over ownership of the country's highland roads or those areas that have long been referred to as commons and free territories. Contrary to the original plans, these state demands are now creating uncertainty where there was none before, and they also impede private initiative ideas for projects and creation, as these demands extend into settled areas. In my opinion, we have now strayed too far from the original goals of the law. Already, lands are being sought where there are, among other things, properties and which fit within municipal zoning plans," said Ingibjörg.

"It's natural for people to be dissatisfied since it is clear that this will entail considerable costs for municipalities and the owners of these lands. These Wilderness Committee ideas should have gone through a much coarser filter, in addition to possibly reviewing old documents that already exist, as that could have prevented unnecessary commotion," Ingibjörg concluded.

Ingibjörg's speech in full in the Althingi:

"Honourable President. It is safe to say that the land claim demands presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs on all islands and skerries around the country that are above sea level at spring tide cause an enormous public reaction. Local government officials across the country have substantial concerns over the matter and say the statement of demands is a massive intervention in the assessment of property rights and future vision of numerous residents and landowners across the country. In addition, criticism has emerged that there has been no consultation with the owners of these islands. Instead of consultation or mail from the Wilderness Committee, owners hear about the demand through the media. Most islands targeted by the demands are registered properties of individuals, municipalities, and other parties, and in some cases, the state has sold islands that it now intends to reclaim.

Honourable President. The original purpose of enacting national land laws was to resolve disputes that had prevailed for decades over ownership of the country's highland roads or those areas that have long been referred to as commons and free territories. Contrary to the original plans, these state demands are now creating uncertainty where there was none before, and they also impede private initiative ideas for projects and creation, as these demands extend into settled areas. In my opinion, we have now strayed too far from the original goals of the law. Already, lands are being sought where there are, among other things, properties and which fit within municipal zoning plans. It's natural for people to be dissatisfied since it is clear that this will entail considerable costs for municipalities and the owners of these lands. These Wilderness Committee ideas should have gone through a much coarser filter, in addition to possibly reviewing old documents that already exist, as that could have prevented unnecessary commotion."

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