Social Democratic Party of Hverland

Social Democratic Party of Hverland Félagslegaframsóknarparti hverlands
Leader	Einar Gunnarsson
Founded	1902
Ideology	Democratic socialism Post-neoliberalism
Political position	Left-wing
Fjallting seats	12 / 101
Local seats	48 / 475
Sámedagi seats	3 / 31
Political parties

The Social Democratic Party of Hverland (Hverlandic: Félagslegaframsóknarparti hverlands) is a left-wing, social democratic party with a history spanning over a century in Hverland's political landscape. Einar Gunnarsson, a seasoned and revered figure within the party, currently leads it. Born out of the labour movement, it has traditionally served as a strong advocate for worker's rights and welfare. Despite the steady decline in support in recent years, the party remains a prominent political entity, holding 12 out of 101 seats in the Fjallting and 48 out of 475 seats in local municipalities.

History

The Social Democratic Party was founded in 1902 amid a period of rapid industrialization in Hverland. Its birth from the labour movement was a response to an urgent need to safeguard the rights and welfare of the working class against the tide of growing industrial capital.

Throughout its existence, the Social Democratic Party has been instrumental in formulating Hverland's social and economic policies. It played a pivotal role in establishing Hverland's welfare state and has continued to champion social justice and labour rights.

In recent years, however, the party has faced a decline in its support base. Voters have increasingly migrated to The Liberals, a classically liberal party, and the Visionary Party, a techno-populist group, indicating a shift in Hverland's political climate.

Ideology

The Social Democratic Party adheres to an ideology rooted in democratic socialism and post-neoliberalism, embracing principles of social justice, income equality, and the welfare of all citizens. The party advocates for a strong governmental role in the economy to ensure wealth is fairly distributed and the potential negative impacts of the free market are mitigated.

The party's labour movement origins remain evident in its commitment to worker rights and its advocacy for robust labour laws, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.

Policy positions

The Social Democratic Party's policy positions are grounded in its commitment to social justice, workers' rights, and a strong welfare state. Key policy areas include:

• Economic policy: The party advocates for progressive taxation, regulation of corporations, and robust social spending to ensure a fair distribution of wealth.
• Labour rights: The party fights for fair wages, safe and healthy working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining. It also promotes policies to address unemployment and underemployment.
• Social policy: The party supports a comprehensive welfare state, including universal healthcare, public education, affordable housing, and social security for all citizens.
• Environmental policy: The party promotes sustainable economic practices and policies to combat climate change.

Voter base

The Social Democratic Party primarily attracts voters from the working class, including blue-collar and white-collar employees, as well as individuals who favour social justice, income equality, and a robust welfare state. The party's strong ties to organized labour remain a significant influence on its voter base, with trade unions being key supporters.

Despite this, the party has also managed to draw in a broader demographic, including young people, progressives, and those with a keen interest in social issues and the environment. The recent decline in support signals a challenge for the party to maintain its relevance in the changing political landscape.

Electoral results

Fjallting

Election	Votes	%	Seats	±	Government
2014			19 / 101
2018	15,643	18.21	18 / 101	1	Coalition
2022	8,507	9.63	10 / 101	8	Opposition

President

Election year	Candidate	First round			Second round			Result
		Votes	%	Rank	Votes	%	Rank
1991	Helgi Þorvaldsson	23,294	41.7	1st	26,175	52.3	1st	Won
1997	Helgi Þorvaldsson	40,990	92.5	1st	N/A			Won
2003	Helgi Þorvaldsson	43,053	71.0	1st	N/A			Won
2009	Snorri Þórsson	19,274	33.1	2nd	N/A			Lost
2015	Kristján Pálmason	20,294	27.9	1st	32,965	46.5	2nd	Lost
2021	Einar Stefánsson	15,688	19.9	2nd	24,022	32.5	2nd	Lost

Sámedagi

Election	Votes	%	Seats	±	Status
2023	288	9.52	3 / 31	5	Governing council

See also

• List of political parties in Hverland