Young conservatives celebrate 95 years at Þingvellir
Viktor Pétur Finnsson, chairman of the Young Independence Party (SUS), is at Þingvellir for the organization’s 95th anniversary celebration, joined by a large group of attendees. Photo/Ari Páll Kristinsson
“We’re celebrating the 95th anniversary of SUS here at Þingvellir, which is a highly symbolic location for us,” says Viktor Pétur Finnsson, chairman of the Young Independence Party (SUS), in an interview with mbl.is . The occasion marks 95 years since the founding of the youth wing of Iceland’s Independence Party, which currently boasts nearly 15,000 members aged 15 to 35.
The celebration site carries historic significance: the organization was founded at Þingvellir during Iceland’s 1930 Parliament Festival. That year, the event included a poetry competition judged by a panel that honored poets Jóhannes úr Kötlum, Davíð Stefánsson from Fagraskógur, and Einar Benediktsson.
The anniversary celebration is well attended; SUS was founded at Þingvellir during the 1930 Parliament Festival. Photo/Ari Páll Kristinsson
Though there is no poetry contest this time, the festivities are lively. Notably, Magnús Kjartan Eyjólfsson from the band Stuðlabandið is providing music for the occasion—stepping into the artistic role once filled by the poets of the 1930 gathering.
"Plenty of Brennivín"
“The organization was founded right here in Hvannagjá, and we’re holding the celebration on that very site,” says Finnsson. “We’re lucky it falls on a Friday, so we’re camping out. A lot of people are arriving, and tents are going up. Among our guests are Friðrik Sophusson, the oldest living former chairman of SUS, and Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, who works here as a park ranger and will introduce Friðrik. I’ll be giving a speech myself as well,” he says.
After the formalities, guests will be served hot dogs and drinks. Asked whether there will be alcohol, Finnsson admits with a smile: “Yes, there’s plenty of brennivín .”
Geir H. Haarde, former minister and member of parliament, is present at Þingvellir. Photo/Ari Páll Kristinsson
He notes that when the organization was founded in 1930, nearly 2,000 people signed up. “Today, we’re the second-largest political movement in Iceland by membership, after the Independence Party itself. We’ve seen a surge in interest lately, even though the party’s national poll numbers may fluctuate. Youth chapters across the country are reawakening— Heimdallur , for example, released a music album last autumn.”
Controversial but never ignored
“From the beginning, one of the association’s main goals was for Iceland to manage its own affairs. That remains our fight today—especially in the debate around the EU. We continue to champion individual freedom, lower taxes, and a vision that unites all social classes with a national and open-minded perspective,” says Finnsson.
Reflecting on the group’s 95-year history, he expresses pride in its legacy: “We may be controversial, but we are never ignored. We’re experiencing strong renewal, with people eager to get involved and embrace liberty—without always being directed by the state.”
The Young Independence Party (SUS) was founded in Hvannagjá, where part of this evening's celebration is taking place. Photo/Ari Páll Kristinsson
“Our values still hold. That’s why we’re the biggest party among Icelandic youth. We’re optimistic about the future and excited to take the reins when this left-wing government has had its last word. We’re ready to clean up the rubble when they’re gone, and people realize that the Independence Party is the way forward,” Finnsson says with confidence.
He concludes by emphasizing growing demand for the perspectives of young conservatives: “The issues that were being debated when this organization was founded are still relevant today. That’s why I believe we need a strong youth movement, a strong conscience, and a strong political party to get Iceland back on track.”
