6. Faroese Self-Government: A Disputed But Evolved Model

Faroese self-government is based on the Home Rule model from 1948. The model has a strong internal autonomy dimension with devolved powers for governing activity, but more constrained powers related to international activity. Even though, the constitutional status of the model’s entrenchment mechanisms are disputed, the political reality is a de-facto independent political system with distinct political institutions and a high degree of control over the legislative process. The chapter provides an overview of the development of the Faroese self-government system and a presentation of the distinct parts of the political system, the old political traditions and young executive administrative system. Moreover, the chapter focuses on different output and outcome factors, like the higher number of Faroese legislative rules, control systems, promising social and economic indicators, and the overall supporting citizen attitudes towards the political institutions.