Young voters voice concerns ahead of 2024 parliamentary elections in Iceland

In a recent discussion on Torgid, young voters voiced their opinions ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections in Iceland. Among the participants were various students and representatives of youth organizations, including Hjördís Freyja Kjartansdóttir from Unicef’s youth network, law student Kjartan Leifur Sigurðsson, and trade school student Anna Sonde.

The young voters highlighted improvements needed in Icelandic society, with Hjördís Freyja expressing hope despite recognizing areas for enhancement. She pointed out the strong proposals introduced by political parties but emphasized that there is much to be improved.

Kjartan noted the country has a good foundation of equal opportunities but criticized the recent government for lacking direction. He emphasized the importance of deciding the nation’s future trajectory.

Anna mentioned her disappointment in rising support for a party that disparages foreign issues, questioning societal progress. Kolfinna and Sturla echoed these sentiments, calling for more compassion and addressing environmental concerns. They noted that discussions around foreign issues have become increasingly critical.

The group also expressed concerns over mental health and the impact of screen time, particularly with children and teens spending excessive time on devices, leading to potential emotional distress. Hjördís highlighted the role of parents in ensuring that children’s screen time is monitored effectively.

As anticipation builds for the U.S. presidential election, the young Icelanders believe its outcome will have global ramifications, suggesting that young boys in Iceland might be more supportive of Donald Trump compared to girls.

Overall, the discussion revealed a desire among young voters for a more engaged political landscape that reflects their interests and addresses pressing social issues, particularly housing and environmental matters.