Kristín Benediktsdóttir elected as first female Parliamentary Ombudsman of Iceland

Kristín Benediktsdóttir has been elected as the new Parliamentary Ombudsman of Iceland, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold this position. The election took place in the parliament today, with Kristín receiving the support of 38 members, while two abstained from voting.

Kristín is a law professor at the University of Iceland and will succeed Skúli Magnússon, who is stepping down to take on a judgeship at the Supreme Court. She has previously held various legal roles, including serving as a district court lawyer, a legal advisor for the Parliamentary Ombudsman, and a legal expert in the Ministry of Social Affairs. Notably, before her legal career, Kristín was also a violin teacher and musician.

She is the fourth individual to serve as the Parliamentary Ombudsman since its establishment, which dates back to 1988. The first ombudsman, Gaukur Jörundsson, served until November 1998, followed by Tryggvi Gunnarsson, whose tenure lasted until April 2021. Skúli Magnússon then took on the role before his recent decision to join the Supreme Court. With her extensive background in law and a commitment to public service, Kristín Benediktsdóttir steps into this influential role with considerable experience and historical significance.