President Halla Tómasdóttir has barely any political power. But the head of state refrained from marking Iceland's sudden increased significance in the power struggle during the state visit on Tuesday at a meeting with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (The Moderate Party).
We would say that we were an island far away and far north in the Atlantic, she said thoughtfully at a press conference at Rosenbad and mentally turned the world map so that the island nation with approximately 393,000 inhabitants landed in the middle.
Much has changed, both geographically and geopolitically. Now Iceland is almost in the center of the world, between the USA, Russia, and China.
Political Whirlwind
Tómasdóttir has no direct political background, she has worked with, among other things, the soft drink giant Pepsi, with investment companies, and ideologically driven work.
But Iceland's second female president has landed in a whirlwind since the Trump administration repeated demands for control over Greenland. Iceland has close cooperation with the USA and has a significant American military presence at the Keflavik base. Strategically, Iceland is crucial, just like northern Scotland and Greenland when the Arctic's military significance increases.
Tómasdóttir was clear:
We want to be friends with everyone, we do not want to break off any relationships.
She also seemed to welcome the referendum that will be held in 2027 on seeking Icelandic membership in the EU.
We do not interfere in other countries' politics. But if Iceland seeks membership in the EU, then you have a good friend in Sweden, said Kristersson.
Welcomed with Pomp
Royal visit, horse-drawn carriage, meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament, large police presence, and Icelandic flags waving alongside Swedish ones on Norrbro in Stockholm marked the close ties – a bond that stretches from the Viking Age and onwards.
But in the afternoon, the new reality seemed to have dominated the talks.
Kristersson emphasized the close relations with Iceland – in security issues, but also when it comes to a green transformation and the importance of safeguarding basic democratic rights.
Despite the recurring references to a dark and gloomy world where rules are set aside – even by Iceland's protector, the USA – Tómasdóttir chose to strike a hopeful tone:
We are small countries with bold ambitions.
That was well said, I will borrow that, thanked the host Kristersson.
