PM suggests updates to constitution

Parts of the Faroese constitution, also known as the Home Rule Law, are in need of an update.

This was the message from Prime Minister Bárður á Steig Nielsen in yesterday’s parliamentary hearing of a proposal to introduce gender-neutral titles for politicians in the Home Rule Law.

Responding to the proposal in question, the Prime Minister said that political parties ought to start thinking of more general amendments to the constitution rather than focusing on particular changes.

Broad political support needed 

“In addition to the question of whether official titles should be changed, we need to consider updates to provisions regarding financial issues and the section on whether cross-national agreements should overrule Faroese law. It is advisable that we process all such questions at the same time,” he said.

The Faroese Home Rule Law was approved in 1994 and has remained largely unchanged since then. Changes to the Home Rule Law require approval from two different Parliaments.

“The Home Rule Law overrules other legislation, which is why all changes to it must have broad political backing. I am therefore calling on representatives from all political parties to contribute to the planning of a comprehensive update of our Home Rule Law,” said the Prime Minister.

Translated by prosa.fo