Faroese expats call for a more equal society ahead of 2026 election

Young Faroese living abroad want greater economic equality and social justice if they are to return home, according to a debate broadcast from Oyrarsund on Sunday. The discussion, part of the Trapputing series ahead of the 2026 parliamentary election, was hosted by Elin Winther Poulser and aired on Faroese national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.

Around 40 percent of each generation leaves the Faroe Islands to study, but only half return, participants noted. The debate explored what kind of society would encourage young Faroese to come back, with contributors emphasising fairer wealth distribution, equal rights, and stable living conditions.

Sunday’s panel included Birgir Ferjá Heldarskarð (Union Party), Jóhan M. Stenberg (Self-Government Party), Hergeir Teitsson (Republic), and Vilhelm Hendrik í Skálanum (Centre Party). The Trapputing series, which has previously visited Suðuroy, Tórshavn, and Klaksvík, invites political candidates to engage directly with voters ahead of the election.