"Let us choose dialogue"
September 8, 2026
Photographs: Eyþór Árnason.
The President opens Parliament.
From the service at Reykjavík Cathedral.
The President's address is available in full here on the website.
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The President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, formally opened Parliament at a ceremonial event in the Parliament House. In her address, she discussed, among other things, the outcome of the referendum on 29 August and the importance of healthy debate. “A democratic society can never be taken for granted,” she said, adding:
“We shape it every day — in how we speak to one another, how we listen, and how we respect those who see the future differently than we do. We can choose to do better. We can choose not to let the loudest voices set the tone of our society.
We often assume that what unites a nation is agreement. But Iceland's history tells us otherwise. We have never agreed on everything. We have debated great questions since the founding of the Republic — indeed, since the founding of Alþingi itself. But at our best, we have not let our disagreements overwhelm what unites us.”
Later in her address, she also discussed the National Dialogue (Samtal), which is planned to take place across the country on Saturday, October 10:
“I believe one of the most important responsibilities of the presidency is to create space for people to come together and listen to one another. A diverse group of people is now preparing for a nationwide conversation, Samtal, in October. Its purpose is not to agree on everything. Differences of opinion belong in a democracy. Indeed, they can be where the real conversation begins. Young people will lead these conversations in upper-secondary schools across the country, and different generations will sit down at the same table. Not to convince one another, but to listen and understand, to look towards all that we share.”
Toward the end, the President addressed both Parliament and the nation with these words:
“Let us choose dialogue. Let us choose respect. Let us choose one another.
Let us shape a society where people can disagree on important questions without losing one another. We may choose different paths, but we still share the same home harbour: Iceland.”
The President then wished the members of Parliament and Alþingi well, and asked them to rise in honour of the homeland.
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