Political Resolution - Election declaration of the Independence Party for Parliamentary elections in 2007

Education, culture and science are the basis of progress

Progress and economic growth in the coming years will be driven by education, science and research. Sensible utilization of natural resources and innovation are rooted in the nation's increased education, practical know-how and knowledge. Icelandic society now faces a greater wealth of opportunities than at any time in its history, and at the same time those projects demand future vision and steadfastness. In recent years the Independence Party has led the great transformation occurring in the nation's educational, cultural and scientific affairs.

The nation's universities have been strengthened substantially. Icelanders' participation in university education has gone in a few short years from being the lowest in the Nordic countries to being the highest, and currently 20,000 Icelanders are engaged in university studies in Iceland and at foreign universities.

Icelanders' investment in scientific research and technology is one of the biggest found, and during the election period, government competition funds in the field of research and science doubled and university research has been specially beefed up. The Independence Party emphasizes that the strengthing of these funds shall continue. The proportion of the nation working on scientific research is the highest found within OECD.

In the next election period the Independence Party will make its best effort to ensure continuing investment in the nation's educational system. Emphasis will be placed on quality, flexibility and diversity of the curricula offered, so that everyone can find suitable studies. The Independence Party has set the goal that the nation's entire educational system, from preschool through university, shall be in the forefront.

The Independence Party's view is that Icelandic culture is the common denominator of what Icelanders are grappling with each time in their words and actions. There is reason to rejoice in the emphasis laid on Icelandic culture under the Independence Party's leadership and the fertile soil that the Independence Party has created with a strong economy.

The family is the cornerstone of society, and children are its future

Our society will continue becoming more complex, and speed and demands for results will increase in most fields in society. The family is the cornerstone of society, and the Independence Party will, as usual, keep watch over the values that good family life builds on. The family's togetherness, healthy and constructive recreation, good schools, easy access to health services and a safe environment are precious and desirable qualities of life.

It is especially necessary to direct attention to the children of immigrants. The Independence Party, cautions against all attempts to stir up suspicion and animosity against foreign people who have moved to Iceland. Newcomers to Iceland should have the opportunity and support to adapt to Icelandic society and become full-fledged participants in the daily life and work of the nation. We must ensure that the educational system and youth and sports programs are open to all, and that care is taken that all children get equal opportunity to flourish and develop.

The Independence Party emphasizes that as many people as possible be able to live in their own housing. Following the great price increase occurring on the housing market, it is necessary to give careful thought to individuals and families' possibilities to purchase their first apartment. The Independence Party aims at abolishing stamp duties in the next election period.

The rise in the use of drugs is a nationside danger, and the victims of narcotics dealers will become younger and younger. It is necessary to resist this trend with increased education and prevention, support for families in trouble, diverse treatment solutions and stricter law enforcement. The Independence Party specifically emphasizes that treatments be adequate for those becoming addicted to drugs, and that it is assured that services in this area be integrated and purposeful, and that they serve all groups requiring them.

Elderly citizens' situation must be improved

It is the ambition of each and every society to provide its elderly citizens with the best possible conditions.

The Independence Party has always been a leader in improving issue areas of the elderly. Althingi's decision in 2006 to increase the annuity from Social Security and decrease the cutback of the annuity because of income of one's own and one's spouse was a big step forward in this important issue area. The Independence Party wishes to continue in the same direction and decrease the cutback percentage from 39.95% to 35%. Also, the financial situation for old-age pensioners, who are worst off financially, must be improved, for they have low or no income from a pension fund. The Independence Party is determined to do its best to have the State Treasury insure old-age pensioners minimum annuities from the annuity fund.

The Icelandic community requires the work effort and experience of older citizens. The Independence Party wants the elderly citizens, wishing and able do so, to take an active part in the nation's economy, if possible, while at the same time having the possibility of improving their financial circumstances. The Independence Party's view is that individuals, upon reaching the age of 70, have made their work contribution to society, and if they choose to earn money working on the labour market after that, it should not affect annuity payments from Social Security. Thus, the Independence Party will exert its best efforts to abolish the linking of wage income of those aged 70 and older to Social Security annuities.

Elderly citizens' needs vary, and society's services must reflect this fact. It is important to respect the freedom of elderly citizens to choose services when they need society's support. This applies not least to housing remedies, social services and nursing services to support independent residence as long as possible. Waiting lists for space in nursing homes shall be eliminated. It is desirable that responsibility for statutory services to the elderly be transferred from the State to municipalities.

First-class healthcare service

The Icelandic health care system is without doubt one of the best in the world, and the expenditures of Icelanders for health care are high on the international scale. It can be estimated that expenditures for these issue areas will grow over the next several years because of changes in the nation's age composition. It is very important that the organization and framework of the healthcare service produce good utilization of funding at the same time as the nation is assured of first-class healthcare services in the future. Prevention is more and more important in the healthcare system. Such ideology leads to preventive measures while at the same time conducing to the role of individuals in improving their health and promoting their own well-being.

The equal right of all countrymen to healthcare service is the basis of the Independence Party's health care policy. The financing of the healthcare system comes, for the most part, from countrymen's joint funds, but there is every reason to utilize the advantages of private enterprise where applicable. Specific consideration must be given to ensuring patients' rights and to the conformation of all parties providing medical services, so that each and every patient has the greatest probability of returning as soon as possible to active participation in society. The Icelandic community is sparsely populated and wealthy, and there is therefore an opportunity to care for each and every one to maximize the chance of recovery.

In the next election period, the Social Security system must be reviewed. This is complex, and it is difficult for those in need to realize what their rights are. It is also important to keep firmly in mind the Independence Party's policy to help as many to help themself as possible. There is reason to applaud proposals on changes in disability evaluation, and greater flexibility is intended to facilitate those with reduced work capacity to participate in the economy.

Gender equality must be increased

The Independence Party's builds on respect for individuals and demands that each and every one benefits from her or his merits. The nation's progress and prosperity builds on utilizing the talents, know-how and abilities of all citizens regardless of gender, religious belief or race.

It is an important interest of society that women and men actually have equal possibilities for work, job development, wages, child upbringing and influence. Gender-related wage difference should not be tolerated in modern society.

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The Independence Party exerted its best efforts to change maternity leave, so that now fathers also have the possibility of taking time off from work to devote themselves to their children without distractions. This change entails a big step toward increased gender equality on the labour market, and the Independence Party therefore applauds how many fathers have utilized this right of theirs.

Women are a large portion of government employees; about 60% of working women on the labour market work for the State or municipalities. By increasing the possibility for private enterprise in government services, the knowledge and creative power of women working for the government can be unleashed. The benefit of this is that many women could utilize their expertise for innovation in running a business and, at the same time, improve and strengthen the services provided by the government.

Revolution in communications and transport and advances in settlement affairs

The Independence Party has stood for revolution in the nation's communications and transport. Strengthening of settled areas and traffic safety have been in the foreground. The Independence Party will therefore continue the vigorous efforts toward progress during the last election period, in accordance with an approved plan for communications and transport.

Improvements in communications and transport are the key to promoting balance in Iceland's settled areas. Shorter distances between settlement cores and safer roads create possibilities for bigger and more viable business and residential areas. Fortification of communications technology, build-up of the educational and health systems and a sturdy framework for educational activities are among the factors that the government can contribute to the build-up of the distributed settled areas.

Value creation in rural areas must be as diverse as possible. The Independence Party regards creation of general and equal conditions for build-up in the entire country to be one of the most important undertakings in Icelandic politics.

The importance of fisheries for Icelandic society is undisputed. It generates a big proportion of the economy's export revenues and lays the foundation for various other kinds of business activities. It is urgent that the operating environment of fisheries be stable, and that there shall be no retreat from the basic viewpoint determining the arrangement now in effect for fisheries on Icelandic fishing grounds. The fisheries sector must be viewed as a single, organic whole, all the way from catches to fully processed products in foreign markets. The Independence Party rejects ideas of heavier taxation of fisheries.

Agriculture is important to Iceland's economy, and the Independence Party emphasizes that the changes lying ahead in the nation's agricultural affairs shall be done in reconciliation and collaboration with farmers.

Specific consideration must be given to the working conditions of innovation and technology companies in rural areas. The opportunities available for transferring government jobs to rural areas must also continue to be utilized, where relevant.

Environmentally sound Iceland

The Independence Party resolves that Iceland shall be one of the foremost countries in the world in environmental affairs. The Icelandic government, companies and educational institutions are in a unique position to make their presence felt in the international arena in the battle against pollution and waste of natural resources.

The interplay of knowledge, funding and commercial freedom creates new and exciting opportunities, and signs of this can be seen in many places. Icelandic energy companies have recently joined with financial companies and universities, both in Iceland and abroad, and that collaboration will lead to increased knowledge about new energy sources. Expansion abroad of energy companies and knowledge companies in this field has begun and will be one of Iceland's important contributions to atmospheric affairs in the world.

Over 70% of the energy Icelanders use comes from renewable energy sources, compared with OECD states where this ratio is 3%. Iceland is therefore the leading country in this regard. Consideration must be given to the possibility that Iceland's development aid will increasingly lie in the dissemination of expertise in this field

The Independence Party emphasizes that economic activities shall be in the greatest possible conciliation with nature in the country since the Independence Party builds its policy on there being a balance between utilisation of the land and conservation. Pollution must be reduced little by little, and it is important that the Icelandic nation abide by its obligations in the international arena regarding the battle against increases in greenhouse gases.

In the next election period solidarity must be achieved in the nation on a plan for conservation and utilisation of Iceland's nature. Different viewpoints and different regional interests must be brought together in a way avoiding sharp disputes in society on how these important matters shall be arranged. The Independence Party is best suited to achieve such reconciliation to the benefit of the entire nation.

Major results have been achieved in conservation under the Independence Party's leadership, the most prominent example of which is the Act on Vatnajökull National Park, the biggest national park in Europe.

Trustworthy and responsible economic policy

The Independence Party's economic policy has brought the general public the best quality of life in the nation's history. The purchasing power of the disposable income of households has increased by 60% since 1995, and, at the same time, the State Treasury has eliminated nearly all its foreign debt. Increased freedom of trade, the privatization of state companies and tax decreases have revolutionized the economy for the better. Icelandic companies and individuals now have better possibilities than ever to utilize the nation's manpower and natural resources for the benefit of the entire society.

Under the Independence Party's leadership, unemployment has been the lowest of any nation in the world. With purposeful measures in economic and employment affairs, we can ensure that this will continue to be so.

The Independence Party will continue to ensure that Icelandic companies shall have the most competitive operating conditions possible. Money can now be transferred between countries on short notice, and countries not creating an advantageous operating environment will risk losing companies, people and money to other countries. It is important that operating conditions for companies in Iceland ensure the build-up of Icelandic companies and attract operations from abroad.

Tax decreases in recent years have unleashed great forces multiplying the State Treasury's tax revenues. In the next election period the Independence Party will continue seeking ways to decrease taxes on individuals and companies. A vigorous economy is a prerequisite of being able to continue build-up in educational affairs, communications and transport and health and social affairs.

The Icelandic economy will increasingly be characterized by knowledge creation and expansion abroad. Collaboration between the economy and the Icelandic universities is a key to improved results in innovation and business operations. Icelandic companies compete hard with foreign companies, both in Iceland and abroad, and over the next several years intellectual, technical and practical knowledge will play a determinative role in the prosperity of Icelandic companies. The Independence Party will therefore continue its best efforts to strengthen scientific and research activities, in both the country's universities and the economy. Education and science generate ideas, opportunities, new companies and jobs.

Following privatization of the state banks, financial activities have grown greatly and have now become one of the main pillars of the Icelandic economy. Financial activities are an international knowledge industry, and it is therefore very important that their environment be tailored to their continued strengthening in Iceland. The importance of strong banks for other business operations in Iceland is undisputed, and the general public's increased access to loan capital without the intercession of politicians is also positive.

The Independence Party emphasizes maintaining the utmost constraint in government operations and the need to take every precaution that taxpayers' money be utilized as well as possible. Prudence and circumspection in government finance are a primary necessity, and it is urgent that the ratio of government activity to the national product does not exceed what it currently is.

Security and international collaboration

Security of citizens is the primary duty of the State, and there is reason to applaud the diverse build-up in the field of law enforcement in recent years. The merger of police offices is a step toward progress, and it is important to follow it up with increased support. Plans for the build-up of prisons and strengthening of treatment resources must be followed up. Serious offenses are indications of increased violence entering criminal activity, and there is a risk of organized crime increasing. The government must put forward its best efforts against this threat without contravening the main viewpoint of people's sanctity.

The states of the European Union are Iceland's most important market area. The Agreement on the European Economic Area has proved beneficial to the nation, and it is one of the basic pillars of the nation's economy. It ensures Icelanders' most important interests in this field well, and there is therefore no reason to change Iceland's current relationship with the European Union.

Iceland is a European State, and the nation's history and culture are European. In that light and because of the great commercial interests at stake, it is necessary to continuously examine how Iceland's interests will be best served in collaboration with other European countries. At the same time, it is important to continue building up relations with other market areas in the world by increasing the number of free trade agreements under the auspices of EFTA, bilateral agreements on commercial matters with individual states and participation in multinational collaboration, such as the World Trade Organization.

With the departure of the Iceland Defence Force from the Keflavík Airbase, the basis of Icelanders' defence affairs changed. It is necessary over the next several years to emphasize building up increased knowledge in the Icelandic administrative system regarding defence and security affairs, as well as the capability to cope with diverse projects in that area. The Bilateral Defence Agreement with the United States is still in force, and close collaboration between the nations was reiterated with the agreement signed last year. Positive discussions have also been held with other NATO states regarding increased collaboration in this field. Now, as before, the Independence Party's foreign policy builds on the values underlying the cooperation of western democratic states.

 

 

More results – Increased well-being
Political Resolution of the Party Council, Akureyri April 8th 2006

The Independence Party’s agenda in national matters has shown great results for the nation and the people. The party’s recent agenda is built on the ideology of the party - that the best thing for everybody is when the individual has freedom of speech and actions. During the past 15 years a fresh breeze has blown through Icelandic society, the power of initiative has broken through new ground, previously unapproachable to the public and prosperity has increased by leaps and bounds. Politics revolves around results and results are the prerequisite for well-being.

On May 27th local elections will take place. Local governments bear the responsibility of ensuring basic services. Services which have a direct effect on the quality of life of people and families in this country. The position of the Independence Party concerning the management of municipalities is clear. The municipalities are responsible for making sure that the burden of it’s residents is minimal, that all residents have diversity of choice, that there is economical growth and last but not least that the residents are offered all the mandatory services that they have the right to. The emphasis must be placed on promoting the growth of the community.

In the upcoming elections the Independence Party is placing emphasis on the well-being of elderly citizens. The Independence Party wants to change peoples’ opinions regarding the elderly so that they may enjoy independence, free will and freedom of choice in all matters concerning themselves. The intention is that elderly are offered realistic options regarding residence, services and flexible retirement. Local governments should offer services according to the needs of its residents. The Independence Party intends to transfer the responsibility of services to the eldery over to the local governments.

One of the municipalities’ most extensive and largest projects is the management of playschools and primary schools. The Independence Party places emphasis on choice, diversity, equality and results on the primary and playshcool levels. Offering more options to the residents strengthens the position of individual municipalities. Most importantly, increased choices create increased educational opportunities. Education should consider the needs and wishes of individuals. Unequal financial support from the municipalities to schools caused by different management concepts is an unacceptable impairment of the equality of students.

The Independence Party highlights the importance of responsible financial policies in municipal matters. The Independence Party intends to meet the needs and wishes of the residents regarding increased services in the municipalities. The party refuses therefore to make empty promises. Fiscal responsibilty is conditional to offering those services which residents consider necessary.

The prosperity the nation has enjoyed the last ten years is a direct result of good decisions made by the government led by the Independence Party. Increased freedom in commerce and the lifting of restrictions has liberated the great potentials which have revolutionized Icelandic economic environment in just a few years. All Icelanders have enjoyed the benefits achieved. It is a clear goal of the Independence Party to preserve those conquests. Another goal is to decrease the taxes of individuals and corporations.

The goal and ideology of the party in national affairs have played an important role in converting Iceland into one of the leading nations concerning prosperity and economic stability. But increasing prosperity is only feasible by increasing results. The most important thing is that the agenda of those leading the government be profitable for the residents. The Indepence Party lets its actions speak and gets results.