Minister of Children’s Affairs Resigns Amid Scandal
-
Loading... - Greta Keller
- 21 Mar 2025
- 84 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, the Minister of Children’s Affairs in Kristrún Frostadóttir’s government, has resigned following shocking revelations about her past. It has come to light that she had a child with a 15-year-old boy when she was 22 years old, over 30 years ago. The story was first reported by RÚV, Iceland’s National Broadcasting Corporation.
Þórsdóttir met Eiríkur Ásmundsson, the father of her child, while leading youth activities in the Trú og Líf religious group in Kópavogur. Ásmundsson had sought refuge in the group due to a difficult home environment. According to Ásmundsson, after their relationship ended, Þórsdóttir denied him contact with their son while simultaneously demanding child support payments for 18 years.
The relationship began when Ásmundsson was just 15 years old, and Þórsdóttir became pregnant shortly thereafter. By the time she gave birth, she was 23 and he was 16. Under Icelandic law, individuals under 18 are considered children, and while the age of consent is 15, there are exceptions for relationships involving mentors, teachers, or those in positions of financial or emotional dependence. Violations of these laws can carry a prison sentence of up to three years.
Documents obtained by RÚV indicate that Ásmundsson sought assistance from the Ministry of Justice and the Church’s Family Services in an effort to gain access to his child. Despite these attempts, Þórsdóttir reportedly denied him visitation rights. For years, Ásmundsson was allowed only two hours per month with his son, totaling just 24 hours per year, while he continued to pay child support.
According to RÚV, a relative of Ásmundsson reported the case to the Prime Minister’s Office a week ago, under the assumption of confidentiality. However, Þórsdóttir was informed about the report and its sender. She allegedly contacted the individual directly and later visited his home, raising concerns about a breach of confidentiality.
In light of these revelations, Þórsdóttir has stepped down from her ministerial position. The government has not yet commented on whether further legal or political consequences will follow. The scandal has raised significant questions about the handling of sensitive cases involving minors and the responsibilities of public officials in such matters. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on the current government and its policies regarding children's rights and welfare.
