Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson

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Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson gives the welcome speech to The Reykjavík Congress on Human Rights 2013 Norðurljós, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center (Iceland, Reykjavík, April 10th - 13th, 2013)
Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson
President of Iceland
Assumed office

1 August 1996

Prime Minister

Davíð Oddsson
Halldór Ásgrímsson
Geir Haarde
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir
Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson

Preceded by Vigdís Finnbogadóttir
Mayor of Reykjavik
In office

27 May 1982 – 16 July 1991

Preceded by Egill Skúli Ingibergsson
Succeeded by Markús Örn Antonsson
Personal details
Born 17 January 1948 (age 66)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Nationality Icelandic
Political party Independence Party


Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson is the fifth President of Iceland.

Biography[edit]

He was elected in the 2000 elections, re-elected for a third term in 2004, re-elected for a fourth term in 2008 and re-elected for a record fifth term in 2012. As part of the left-wing People’s Alliance, Ólafur was a Member of Althingi for Reykjavík from 1978 to 1983. During this time he was Chairman of the People’s Alliance parliamentary group from 1980 to 1983. Additionally, from 1983 to 1985 he was editor of the newspaper Þjóðviljinn. He served as the Minister of Finance from 1988 to 1991. Ólafur has identified the 2009 financial crisis, the need for a green energy revolution, and climate change as the three most pressing issues in today’s world. In relation to his efforts on these issues Ólafur has participated in the Global Creative Leadership Summit, organized by the Louise Blouin Foundation, in 2007 and 2008. He was also awarded the Louise Blouin Award for Creative and Cultural Achievement.


Education[edit]

From 1962 to 1970, he studied economics and political science at the University of Manchester; in 1970 he was the first person from Iceland to earn a PhD in political science. He became a lecturer in political science at the University of Iceland in 1970, then a Professor of Political Science at the same university in 1973. He was the University's first Professor of Political Science.

Further Information[edit]

A Welcome speech by President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, on International Responses to Human Rights Abuses The Reykjavík Congress on Human Rights 2013 Norðurljós, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center (Iceland, Reykjavík, April 10th - 13th, 2013)

External Links and References[edit]

ICD webpage and profile


Party political offices
Preceded by Svavar Gestsson

Leader of the People's Alliance


1987–1995

Succeeded by

Margrét Frímannsdóttir

Political offices
Preceded by

Jón Baldvin Hannibalsson

Minister of Finance


1988–1991

Succeeded by Friðrik Sophusson
Vacant Title last held by Vigdís Finnbogadóttir President of Iceland


1996–present

Incumbent