From 100 Words for Wind to Safe Tap Water–Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Iceland
A Comedian Mayor Elected
In Iceland, even a joke can become a reality. In 2010, Icelandic comedian Jón Gnarr and a group of political novices formed the “Best Party” and ran in the mayoral race in Reykjavík as a satirical campaign. To everyone’s surprise, including Gnarr himself, he won the election with 34.7% of the popular vote and served as the city’s mayor from 2010 to 2014.
During his tenure, Gnarr’s unorthodox leadership style earned him the moniker “his favorite mayor” by philosopher Noam Chomsky. Gnarr went on to publish a memoir detailing his unlikely rise to power. This serves as a testament to Iceland’s openness to alternative perspectives and the country’s commitment to democracy.
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