The Somali community in Norway made history in the country’s parliamentary elections after two politicians of Somali origin were elected to parliament, marking the rise of refugee and migrant communities in European parliaments.
Maryan Abdi Hussein, who was first elected to parliament in 2021, has won a second term. Maryan is known for her advocacy for women’s rights and social services, having worked in social work in Oslo for years before being elected.
Hashim Muxuyadin Abdi, a 21-year-old Labour Party member from Østfold county, has become the youngest Somali ever elected to the Norwegian Parliament. Hashim, the son of a Somali refugee father who grew up in Fredrikstad, has focused his political campaign on issues of youth, education and the fight against poverty.
“There is a danger that Østfold has become the center of poverty and social stratification in Norway, which happened to me. I want all children to start their lives on an equal footing, regardless of where they are born or the situation of their parents,” he told local media after his victory.
His victory was hailed as a breakthrough for the immigrant community. Hashim joined the Labour Party’s youth wing at the age of 14, and was encouraged by his father, Muhiyadin Omar Abdi, a taxi driver and councillor for the Fredrikstad municipality, from whom he learned the value of social integration and justice.
Political analysts say his election reflects a new generation of Norwegian politicians and the growing influence of the Somali community.
Preliminary results also confirmed that the Labour Party will retain its leadership, meaning Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will remain in office.
