Faroese expats call for fairer society to encourage return

Young Faroese people living abroad want a more equitable society with better income distribution and housing opportunities before considering a return to the Faroe Islands, according to a discussion on Trapputing, a political debate programme broadcast by the Faroese national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.

The programme, aired from Oyrarsund on Sunday evening, featured expatriates sharing their views ahead of the 2026 Faroese parliamentary elections. Around 40 percent of each generation leaves the islands to study, but only half return, participants noted. Many cited economic fairness, equal rights, and stable housing as key factors that would make the Faroe Islands more attractive to young professionals.

The debate included contributions from political candidates Birgir Ferjá Heldarskarð (Union Party), Jóhan M. Stenberg (Self-Government Party), Hergeir Teitsson (Republic), and Vilhelm Hendrik í Skálanum (Centre Party). The discussion was moderated by Elin Winter Poulser.