Iceland gears up for Halla Tómasdóttir’s presidential inauguration on August 1st

Preparations are underway for the inauguration of Halla Tómasdóttir as the President of Iceland. The traditional seating arrangement in parliament is being replaced to accommodate the new president and other guests for the official inauguration on August 1st.

Halla Tómasdóttir was elected as Iceland’s president in historic elections on June 1st and celebrated the results with her supporters and family the following day.

The inauguration ceremony has a set format, although the new president can certainly make her mark. The event begins with a service at the Cathedral, attended by the outgoing and incoming bishops. The inauguration ceremony then proceeds in the parliamentary building. The powers of the presidency are held by the Chief Justice, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Prime Minister, who collectively induct the President into office.

After the ceremony, the new President of Iceland and her husband step out onto the parliament building’s balcony, where the President pays homage to the homeland. When the presidential couple re-enters the hall, the President delivers a short speech, and everyone stands to listen to the national anthem.

Music plays a significant role in the ceremony, with a brass band performing in Austurvöllur Square, where a large crowd is expected to gather.