Sósíalistaflokkurinn

News

August 3, 2021

Socialist List in Reykjavík South


"This is a diverse and dynamic list. People who want to change society so that everyone has the opportunity to flourish, has safe and good housing, and good wages. Poverty must be eradicated, and that immediately. Away with all oppression and violence against both people and nature, and in with love, empathy, cooperation, and human dignity," says Katrín Baldursdóttir, who holds the first position on the Socialist Party's list in the Reykjavík South constituency.

A randomly selected group of members of the Socialist Party ranks candidates on the party's list for elections. Experience has shown that the results of randomly selected groups, in most cases, provide a clearer picture of the will of the grassroots than an election or primary.

"The Socialist Party has an urgent mission. That people are not powerless in the hands of big capitalists. People should have the opportunity to participate in the creation and construction of society and have access to a free healthcare and education system. We on the list in Reykjavík South will fight resolutely for this and many other justice issues, such as transferring resources to the public."

Símon Vestarr is in second place and has a clear message. "Capitalism breeds wealth accumulation, wealth accumulation breeds corruption, corruption stifles democracy, and trying to curb corruption without imposing restrictions on capitalism is like trying to win a basketball game with your hands tied behind your back. Therefore, things need to be called by their right names and the power of capital confronted with full force."

"It has long been clear to me that the Directorate of Immigration and the police do not serve the individual but instead serve the interests of entrenched right-wing political forces whose sole aim is to maintain the capitalist system at the expense of the public, and the same applies to other administrative bodies that handle the cases of our most vulnerable groups," says María Lilja Þrastardóttir, who holds the 3rd position.

[Image: image]

In first place is Katrín Baldursdóttir, an industrial economist, journalist, and teacher. Katrín has worked with full force in the Socialist Party from its inception and has served on its Executive Committee. Katrín lived in Berlin for a period, where she pursued postgraduate studies in international politics. In 2012, she completed a master's degree in industrial economics, wrote a master's thesis on the labor movement, and worked for trade unions for a time. She is a socialist through and through.

In second place is Símon Vestarr, a literary scholar, teacher, musician, and father of two children. He has worked for the past four years on the Socialist Party's Policy Committee. He was raised with socialist views by his parents, especially his mother, Helga Bolladóttir. They were working-class people in Breiðholt who instilled in Símon a clear class consciousness, and his father, Hjalti Gunnlaugsson, taught him to play musical instruments at a young age. In addition to teaching in primary and secondary schools, translating, and diverse musical performances, Símon has written in various forums. These include essays on class struggle in history and the present, and the deconstruction of capitalism and individualism, as well as fiction and poetry.

In third place is María Lilja Þrastardóttir Kemp, activist, writer, and law student. María has been prominent in feminist struggles in recent years and, among other things, founded the SlutWalk. María lived in England for a period but returned home to Iceland last year with her family, partner, children, and dog. Since then, refugee issues have been at the forefront of her mind. María believes in harm reduction measures, whether concerning addiction or other health issues, crime, or global warming. She dreams of an understanding, sustainable, and open small community for all people who wish to live here in peace.

In fourth place is Ólafur Jónsson, a senior citizen and former ship captain for many years. Ólafur has worked in the Icelandic fishing industry for over fifty years, mostly as a captain. He worked for eight years as a technical salesperson for fishing gear abroad, mainly in North and South America. In this job, Ólafur traveled to most of the world's major fishing nations and met captains and shipowners in many countries. Ólafur was the CEO of Hampidjan USA for three years. Ólafur has been an active opponent of the quota system since its inception. He wants to ensure that all citizens of society have equal opportunities in upbringing, education, and working life. Ólafur believes that the injustice, inefficiency, and corruption surrounding fishing must call for the abolition of the quota system as soon as possible. To achieve this goal, Ólafur works in the Socialist Party.

In fifth place is Ása Lind Finnbogadóttir, a secondary school teacher and DJ who has served on the party's Policy Committee for three years. She is a mother of two boys and teaches philosophy and psychology, in addition to loving music. She sang in choirs for 20 years and practiced dance at Kramhúsið and elsewhere. She ran for Althingi in 2013 and 2017 for Dögun - a political organization for justice, democracy, and fairness.

[Image: image]

In sixth place is Jón Óskar, an artist, designer, and former entrepreneur; founder of Gagarín and Grái kötturinn. Throughout his career, he has worked on various social activities for artists and served on the boards of SÍM and the Nýlistasafnið. Jón Óskar is a socialist and wants there to be space for everyone.

In seventh place is Sigrún Unnsteinsdóttir, managing director. She has served on the party's Executive Committee for almost three years and has been the party's treasurer for over two years. She has always been political but was never a party member until now. Her heart has always beaten on the left and for a more just society. She has extensive experience in the business world, both as an employer and an employee, and has been both a sole proprietor and employed people.

List of the Socialist Party of Iceland in Reykjavík South:

  1. Katrín Baldursdóttir, industrial economist
  2. Símon Vestarr Hjaltason, teacher
  3. María Lilja Þrastardóttir Kemp, law student
  4. Ólafur Jónsson, senior citizen and former ship captain
  5. Ása Lind Finnbogadóttir, secondary school teacher
  6. Jón Óskar Hafsteinsson, artist
  7. Sigrún Unnsteinsdóttir, managing director
  8. Halldóra Jóhanna Hafsteinsdóttir, leisure instructor
  9. Bára Halldórsdóttir, disabled person
  10. Bárður Ragnar Jónsson, translator
  11. Ellen Kristjánsdóttir, musician
  12. Björn Reynir Halldórsson, historian
  13. Krummi Uggason, student
  14. María Sigurðardóttir, director
  15. Tamila Gámez Garcell, teacher
  16. Elísabet Einarsdóttir, disabled person
  17. Kristjana Kristjánsdóttir, preschool teacher
  18. Daníel Örn Arnarsson, substitute city councilor
  19. Mikolaj Cymcyk, student
  20. Sigurjón Baldur Hafsteinsson, professor
  21. María Gunnlaugsdóttir, nurse and disabled person
  22. Andri Sigurðsson, designer