Conservative party leader becomes Faroe Islands’ youngest prime minister

The leader of the Faroese conservative party Fólkaflokkurin, Beinir Johannesen, has confirmed he will become the islands’ new prime minister, making him the youngest in the territory’s history, DR reports.

Speaking to Faroese media outlet dagur.fo, the 29-year-old confirmed his appointment when asked if he could be congratulated on the role. “Yes, I can confirm that,” he said.

Johannesen’s party secured 26.7% of the vote and nine seats in the Faroese parliament, the Løgting, in elections held on 26 March, emerging as the largest party. He has since led negotiations to form a new government.

A coalition agreement has now been reached between Fólkaflokkurin, the centre-right Sambandsflokkurin (seven seats), and the social democratic Javnaðarflokkurin (six seats). Together, the three parties hold 24 of the Løgting’s 33 seats, ensuring a majority.

The coalition will present its government platform and ministerial appointments at a press conference on Thursday morning, according to Faroese broadcaster KVF.

Johannesen’s uncle, Aksel V. Johannesen, previously served as prime minister, first taking office in 2015 at the age of 42.