Sveinn Björnsson (27 January 1881 -25 January 1952) became a member of Reykjavik town council in 1912 and was its president in 1918-20. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, he was a member of the Althing in 1914-1916 and 1920, and following Iceland's independence from Denmark in 1918 he acted as minister to Denmark in 1920-1924 and 1926-1940. The German occupation of Denmark in 1940 resulted in Iceland's autonomy (Denmark had been responsible for Iceland's foreign affairs), and Björnsson was elected Regent of Iceland three times in 1941-1943, assuming the prerogatives previously held by the Danish king. When Iceland became a republic in 1944 he was chosen to be the first president of Iceland by the Althing. He served from 1944 to 1952, being re-elected unopposed in 1945 and 1949. He died in Reykjavik more than one year before his second term of office was due to expire.
Sveinn Björnsson
Questions and Answers
Q: Who was Sveinn Björnsson?
A: Sveinn Björnsson was a prominent Icelandic politician who served as the country's first president.
Q: When did Björnsson become a member of Reykjavik town council?
A: Björnsson became a member of Reykjavik town council in 1912.
Q: What was Björnsson's role in the Althing?
A: Björnsson was a member of the Althing in 1914-1916 and 1920.
Q: What position did Björnsson hold in Denmark following Iceland's independence?
A: Following Iceland's independence from Denmark in 1918, Björnsson acted as minister to Denmark in 1920-1924 and 1926-1940.
Q: How did the German occupation of Denmark impact Iceland?
A: The German occupation of Denmark in 1940 resulted in Iceland's autonomy, and Björnsson was elected Regent of Iceland three times in 1941-1943.
Q: When did Björnsson become Iceland's first president?
A: Björnsson became Iceland's first president in 1944.
Q: How many terms did Björnsson serve as president?
A: Björnsson served as president from 1944 to 1952, being re-elected unopposed in 1945 and 1949.