Faroese prime minister hands over keys in symbolic transition of power

The Faroe Islands marked a change in government on Monday as former Prime Minister Aksel V. Johannesen symbolically handed the keys to the government headquarters, Tinganes, to his nephew and successor Beinir Johannesen, reports Faroese broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.

“Use these keys to open doors, not to lock them,” Aksel V. Johannesen said during the handover ceremony, addressing his nephew with a mix of family pride and political advice. “I consider myself fortunate to have the emperor as a brother-in-law,” he joked, referencing a Faroese proverb before adding, “But today, I can say it’s good to have my nephew as prime minister.”

The outgoing prime minister began by thanking the departing government members for their work before presenting the keys—a traditional gesture symbolising the transfer of executive authority. Beinir Johannesen, now prime minister, expressed gratitude for his uncle’s leadership and welcomed Aksel V. Johannesen’s continued role in the new government.