The basic principles and ideals of the Independence Party can be seen in the independence policy that the party has followed since its inception. The independence policy is neither long-winded nor complex, but rather offers guidance on a few important points that are important to consider in order to guarantee liberty and progress in society. It does not attempt to be an accurate formula for a perfect state, since such exemplary states seldom live an independent life outside of doctrine and theoretical systems.
In 1929, when the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party merged under the banner of a new party, the Independence Party, two main principles were established to guide the party. On one hand, Iceland was to become independent under the right conditions as stated in the Danish-Icelandic Union Act. On the other hand, the party would: „implement an open-minded and nationalist reform policy on the basis of the freedom of the individual and freedom of employment, for the good of all classes.“
This concise policy statement has followed the party ever since and has served as its beacon. The Independence Party shapes its policies on individual subject areas at its national convention. A political resolution is passed at every national convention. Representatives, elected by the party’s local chapters, attend the national convention, and they have the right to vote on party positions and policy formulation.
Significant changes have taken place in Icelandic society over the past 26 years, and as a result Iceland is a more open society. People‘s living standards have improved greatly during this period, the purchasing power has increased considerably, and the unemployment rate has been one of the lowest in the world. Despite the immense difficulties caused by the banking crisis in Iceland in October 2008, the successes attained were not all for nothing.
Over the course of the last 4 years, Iceland’s economy has been revitalized. Inflation and unemployment have reached record lows and the economy continues to grow at a steady pace following a period that has seen taxes lowered, import customs on various goods abolished, the budget gap closed and capital controls lifted. The Independence Party intends to continue on the path of economic growth and the party believes that the benefits of these actions will be felt by generations to come.
The leadership of the Independence Party:
- Chairman of the Independence Party: Bjarni Benediktsson
- Deputy Chairman of the Independence Party: Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir
- Chairman of the Independence Party Senior Organization: Halldór Blöndal
- Chairman of the Independence Party Youth Organization: Lísbet Sigurðardóttir
- Chairman of the Independence Party National Women‘s Organization: Vala Pálsdóttir
- Chairman of the Independence Party Labor Council: Kristinn Karl Brynjarsson
- Secretary General of the Independence Party: Þórður Þórarinsson
