Faroese prime minister-designate calls for broader definition of gender equality in politics

The incoming prime minister of the Faroe Islands, Beinir Johannesen, has stated that gender equality in politics should not be measured solely by representation in the cabinet, pointing to political seats in the Faroese parliament, Løgtingið, as part of the broader picture.

Johannesen, who will also serve as minister of transport, made the remarks after criticism emerged over the gender balance of the new government, set to take office on Monday. The cabinet will consist of five men and two women, with the Union Party and Social Democratic Party each appointing one woman and one man, while the People’s Party selected three men.

The Equality Board and the democracy organisation Demokratia have both expressed concern over the lack of gender balance. Johannesen, however, argued that “the overall picture is broader than just those in the cabinet,” as reported by Faroese national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.