Although I have lived here for most of my life, I will always be an immigrant. Not because others see me that way, but because I come from a different background and was raised in a different culture. I understand Icelandic society, its way of thinking and its values, but my roots are different – and they always will be.
I have lived here for 29 years, and for many years I observed life in the small community of Norðurþing. Only this year did I decide to truly get involved and understand how the local municipality and its committees function. I chose a party that reflects my values and priorities. I am running in the elections with the hope that after they are over, I will have a real opportunity to serve on a committee and actively influence the life of our community.
I am a candidate from the Samfylkingin list, where I hold the fourth position. It is a centre-left party strongly committed to social equality, the rights of women and minorities, and building a strong welfare state. These are values that are very important for every immigrant.
As a worker of the Framsýn trade union, I have a deep understanding of the realities of the local labour market. We are still experiencing the effects of the suspension of operations at Bakki. These consequences affect our community and will continue to do so for at least another term.
At Samfylkingin, we place strong emphasis on rebuilding and developing Bakki, which can once again strengthen both the economy and the social life of our municipality. However, we must act responsibly and think long-term. It is important that future industries established in Norðurþing are not overly dependent on a single global commodity price, making them fragile and vulnerable to political circumstances.
We must not allow a situation in which people working there will pay a high price in the future due to instability, as happened before at Bakki. At Samfylkingin, we will support a year-round labour market, ensuring that anyone who wishes to stay here during the winter season has access to stable and fair employment.
We also cannot allow immigrants to become merely cheap labour in sectors where Icelanders are unwilling to work – an isolated group separated from the rest of society. We must find a balance: create conditions that allow newcomers to actively participate not only in working life, but also in social life, and effectively prevent the deepening divide between “us” and “them.”
The key question is:
what can we do to ensure that national minorities in Iceland become an integral part of society, rather than a separate group, as is often the case today?
Let us remember that immigrants bring tremendous value to Iceland – knowledge, professional skills, and life experience that are crucial for the country’s development.
A recent study, which I co-authored, showed that 60% of immigrants have higher education, yet most of them do not work in jobs that match their qualifications.
One of the most important findings is the crucial role of the Icelandic language in integration. Unfortunately, the way it is taught is often considered discouraging.
Therefore, we need to ask some important questions:
- What should language courses look like so that people are willing to attend them?
- Is the issue the teaching method, or rather lack of time and accessibility?
- Should language learning take place in the workplace?
- Should employers co-finance language education for their employees?
Perhaps we should consider solutions similar to those in Germany or Denmark, where language learning is an essential part of integration.
I believe that systematic support for learning Icelandic is key. Immigrants who feel supported have a better chance not only of finding better jobs, but also of gaining a deeper understanding of Icelandic culture and society.
This, in turn, allows them to actively participate in social life and bring new perspectives that enrich our shared community.
That is why I encourage you, dear immigrants, to learn Icelandic.
I know from my own experience how important it is – if I had not learned the language, I would not be able to do the work I do today, nor help and support you.
I also encourage you to take an interest in local politics and make informed choices. After three years of residence, we have the right to vote in local elections. According to the study mentioned earlier, 80% of respondents believe that we are not represented in local councils and committees – so let’s change that together.
There are many of us – and that means our votes truly matter.
Put an X next to S on Saturday, May 16
Agnieszka Szczodrowska
