Three Republican council members to step down in Tórshavn municipal elections

Three council members from the Republican Party in Tórshavn have announced they will not run again in the upcoming municipal elections in November.

In recent days, Jákup Dam and Annika Olsen confirmed their decision to step down, with Gunvør Balle also confirming today that she will not seek re-election.

“This was my last term,” Gunvør Balle stated.

Emphasizing a shift in priorities, she noted that after 13 years in politics, she feels it’s time to focus on her civilian career above political duties. “It is challenging to balance city council responsibilities with a regular job. Now is the time to prioritize my civilian career. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed my time in politics,” she added.

Earlier today, Annika Olsen, who was elected to the council with the People’s Party before switching to the Republicans, shared her intention to focus her efforts differently. “For now, I want to devote all my energy to my work in the Parliament, as I also feel this is my responsibility to my voters who showed me support during the parliamentary elections,” she said.

Jákup Dam also announced his departure earlier this week after three terms in the council. “It has been an exciting time, and I have enjoyed the council work. As a teacher in Kollafjørður, I must admit that council duties come with great responsibility, which also demands a lot of time. There are few days without tasks,” he remarked.

In contrast, the Republicans’ fourth candidate, Elsa Berg, who was the party’s top scorer in the last council election with 520 personal votes, confirmed her intention to run again in November. “I look forward to the election. There is a need to focus on citizens, core welfare, nature, and the environment,” she stated briefly.