Atli Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Atli Dam
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| Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands | |
| In office 15 January 1991 – 18 January 1993 |
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| Monarch | Margrethe II |
| Preceded by | Jógvan Sundstein |
| Succeeded by | Marita Petersen |
| In office 10 January 1985 – 18 January 1989 |
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| Monarch | Margrethe II |
| Preceded by | Pauli Ellefsen |
| Succeeded by | Jógvan Sundstein |
| In office 12 December 1970 – 5 January 1981 |
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| Monarch | Frederik IX Margrethe II |
| Preceded by | Kristian Djurhuus |
| Succeeded by | Pauli Ellefsen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 September 1932 Tvøroyri, Faroe Islands |
| Died | 7 February 2005 (aged 72) Tórshavn, Faroe Islands |
| Political party | Social Democratic |
Atli Pætursson Dam (born 12 September 1932, died 7 February 2005) was an important politician from the Faroe Islands. He served as the Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands three times. He is known for being the longest-serving Prime Minister in Faroese history. He held this top position for a total of 16 years.
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Who Was Atli Dam?
Atli Pætursson Dam was born in Tvøroyri, Faroe Islands, in 1932. His father was Peter Mohr Dam, who was also a well-known politician. Atli Dam studied engineering and finished his education in 1964. Before he became Prime Minister, he worked for a Danish company called Haldor Topsøe.
Early Political Life
Atli Dam started his political career in 1970. He was elected to the Løgting, which is the Faroese parliament. In the same year, he became the Minister of Fisheries. This role was very important for the Faroe Islands, as fishing is a big part of their economy. Soon after, he was appointed Prime Minister.
Atli Dam's Time as Prime Minister
Atli Dam served as Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands during three different periods. His first term began in 1970 and lasted until 1981. He then served again from 1985 to 1989. His final term was from 1991 to 1993. Over these years, he became the longest-serving leader in Faroese history.
Representing the Faroe Islands
Besides being Prime Minister, Atli Dam also represented the Faroe Islands in the Danish parliament. He was one of two Faroese members elected to the Folketing (the parliament of Denmark). He held this position from 1987 to 1988 and again from 1990 to 1994. This showed his dedication to both Faroese and Danish politics.
A Major Achievement
One of Atli Dam's most important achievements was a negotiation with the Danish Prime Minister, Poul Schlüter. Thanks to these talks, the underground resources of the Faroe Islands, including any natural resources found there, became the property of the Faroese state. Before this, these resources belonged to Denmark. This was a big step for Faroese self-governance.
Later Years
Atli Dam resigned as Prime Minister in February 1993. He also stepped down as the head of the Social Democratic Party. Marita Petersen took over his role as Prime Minister. After leaving the top political office, he was not re-elected to the Løgting in the 1994 elections. Atli Dam passed away on 7 February 2005.
