Several Faroese parties push to abolish Faroe Islands’ seats in Danish parliament

Several political parties in the Faroe Islands are calling for the abolition of the archipelago’s two seats in Denmark’s Folketing (parliament), ahead of elections on March 24, Morgenpost fra Færøerne reports.

The Faroe Islands will hold elections for both the Danish parliament and its own legislature, the Løgting, within days of each other. But a growing number of parties now question the need for Faroese representation in Copenhagen, arguing that the seats have lost relevance as the islands assume greater autonomy.

Fólkaflokkurin, currently leading in polls for the Løgting election, is among those advocating for the seats’ removal. Party leader Beinir Johannesen, a potential future prime minister, told DR: “We must abolish them, short or long term. We aim to be an independent nation, and in a future equal partnership with Denmark, these seats will no longer be necessary.” He acknowledged the paradox of fielding candidates for positions the party wants to eliminate but argued that Faroese MPs could accelerate independence negotiations.

Anna Falkenberg of Sambandsflokkurin, the only major party still supporting the seats, countered: “It’s strange to run for a position you want to abolish. We are part of a shared realm, and decisions in Denmark affect us.”

The push to scrap the seats reflects a broader shift, according to Hans Andrias Sørdal, a political history lecturer at the University of the Faroe Islands. “Previously, only pro-independence parties opposed them, but now others agree. The Faroes have taken over most policy areas, leaving few reasons for Folketing representation,” he said. The seats do, however, grant access to confidential foreign policy information through Denmark’s Foreign Policy Committee—a privilege the Faroese government lacks, which some see as unfair.

Sjúrður Skaale of the Social Democratic Javnaðarflokkurin, who currently holds one of the seats, argued that Faroese MPs’ influence is already waning. “Power is becoming illegitimate. My voters pay no Danish taxes, yet Danish voters bear the consequences of my decisions—without the ability to remove me,” he said.

Tjóðveldi’s Johannis Erlendsson, part of the current governing coalition, called the seats “fundamentally wrong”, citing the undemocratic prospect of Faroese MPs deciding Denmark’s prime minister. Yet he admitted his party is fielding candidates to ensure a negotiating partner in Copenhagen during potential independence talks.

The Faroe Islands and Greenland each hold two seats in the 179-member Folketing, elected as separate constituencies. While the seats carry full voting rights, their role has diminished as the islands assume control over domestic policies, with foreign affairs, policing, and justice among the few remaining Danish responsibilities.