Jóhannes Óli Sveinsson, a 22-year-old economics student from Húsavík, was elected president of the Young Social Democrats (UJ) at the organization’s national congress in Reykjavík this weekend.
“It is an incredible feeling to have the opportunity to lead the movement,” Jóhannes Óli, known to most as “Jóli,” told RÚV after being elected unopposed when outgoing president Lilja Hrönn Önnudóttir Hrannarsdóttir withdrew her candidacy.
More than 100 delegates attended the congress, held at Center Hotels Miðgarður, where the atmosphere was described as energetic and forward-looking. Among the highlights was a “ministerial grill” session featuring Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir and Minister of the Environment, Energy and Climate Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson.
Jóhannes said his main priority will be to grow the movement and make it better known, particularly among the youngest age group of 16–20 years. “The future is bright for the Young Social Democrats. Everyone is welcome,” he said.
The congress also passed a political resolution urging the government to prioritize interest rates and inflation, housing, and mental health in the coming parliamentary session. In addition, Jóhannes presented the organization’s annual Social Democracy Award to the Iceland-Palestine Association, accepted by its chairman Hjálmtýr Heiðdal.
A new executive board was elected, consisting of Jóhannes Óli Sveinsson, Lilja Hrönn Önnudóttir Hrannarsdóttir, París Anna Bergmann, Soffía Svanhvít Árnadóttir, Brynjar Bragi Einarsson, Egill Örnuson Hermannsson, Elmar Gísli Gíslason, and Skúli Hólm Hauksson.
