Anarchist, atheist and a clown (according to a comment on a blog site).

I have been mayor for 910 days and 50 minutes.

I have tweeted my verification (@Jon_Gnarr).

Comments: 5669 • Responses: 48  • Date: 

Fridarfluga2401 karma

This has been so much fun but now I need to get going. Thank you for your interest and support. Hope this was of use and that you had fun too. I'm sorry I couldn't answer all your questions. Too many questions and too little time. Let's meet again here some other day. Peace!

aronatom2275 karma

is it true that a mad man once ran after you with a hammer in a grocery store and everyone thought you were joking ?

edit: can we get a back story ?

Fridarfluga2823 karma

Yes, that's true. It really was a sledgehammer.

BrowningHighPower1886 karma

Why do you think you have been accepted as an atypicial statesman while other politicians (especially American) are so afraid of stepping out of the social norm?

Fridarfluga3587 karma

Probably because of the smallness of this country I live in. We are only 320.000 and practically everyone is friends on facebook.

silvohex1565 karma

Hi, I'm a 14 year old from Bucharest, Romania and you are my all-time hero. I wish there were more people like you in the world.

Here are my questions for you:

  • 1. If I ever get to visit Reykjavík, can I get to meet you?

  • 2. Are you proud to be a citizen of Iceland?

  • 3. What do you think is the top reason for which the people of Reykjavík voted for you?

  • 4. Will you be running for a second term?

  • 5. What country do you believe will 'evolve' most within the 21st century?

Fridarfluga2277 karma

  1. Maybe.
  2. I am proud to be a human, and a citizen of this world.
  3. Guess they like me.
  4. Depends, maybe.
  5. No idea.

leroideschoux1441 karma

Who is your favourite character in The Wire?

Fridarfluga2657 karma

Omar.

telecastah1357 karma

Hi Jón! My Secret santa just sent me a bottle of Ópal. How would you recommend drinking it?

Fridarfluga2990 karma

I wouldn't.

krattr1345 karma

Do you want Iceland to join the European Union? Why?

Fridarfluga2613 karma

I have no opinion and I think the importance of it is hugely overrated.

TheJoePilato1336 karma

What advice do you have for other world leaders?

Fridarfluga3040 karma

Be yourself. Don't be evil. Show a little empathy.

dabbistify1323 karma

biggest life regret?

Fridarfluga2789 karma

I wish I had been able to finish school and work as a neuroscientist today.

FueledByTesla1247 karma

What's the weirdest thing you've ever done in office? Like actually in your office.

Fridarfluga2985 karma

Undressed after being in drag on Gay Pride. Taking a shower only to find out the shower didn't work. And sometimes I like to go out on the balcony when the pond is frozen and some children are playing on the ice and yell: "This is private property! Go away or I'm calling the police!"

FHayek1187 karma

Are you scared of your daughter? I mean, she is pretty, pretty strong.

EDIT: For those who don't know how - strong - she is - http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/jon-gnarr-mayor-of-reykjavic-daughter-margret-edda-gnarr.jpg

Fridarfluga1911 karma

No. She would never beat me up. I think.

Kwank3r1173 karma

Sæll Jón.

Spilarðu nokkuð tölvuleiki? Ef ekki, hvað finnst þér um tölvuleikjaspil sem áhugamál?


Hi Jón.

Do you play any video games? If not, what is your opinion on video gaming as a hobby?

Fridarfluga2839 karma

Já. Call of Duty, Half Life, Fruit Ninja in long meetings.

Ginger_breadman1125 karma

what are your concerns on global warming? Islands are generally more at risk to rising water levels

Fridarfluga3201 karma

Global warming is a fact. But I think the effects on Iceland are mainly positive. The weather is improving every year.

lucidswirl1099 karma

I am growing fond of Sigur Ros and Of Monsters and Men. What are some other Icelandic bands you would recommend?

Because it seems like there is some good music to be discovered from your lovely slice of green beauty on this Earth.

Fridarfluga1470 karma

HAM, Kleópatra and Ghosdigital :)

DIP_MY_BALLS_IN_IT1023 karma

Two questions:

  1. When you brush your teeth, do you put water on the toothbrush before or after you put toothpaste on?

  2. When you get dressed in the morning, do you put on your pants or socks first?

I NEED TO KNOW. THIS IS IMPORTANT.

Fridarfluga1065 karma

  1. Before.
  2. Differs.

bahookie1021 karma

Hello How did you come up with the best party?

Fridarfluga2297 karma

How could I not have come up with it?

black-sun-rising1006 karma

In Austin TX USA we also had Anarchists running for city council. Do you agree that you can still philosophically be an anarchist while working inside the system to try and improve things now?

Fridarfluga2205 karma

Yes, I still consider myself to be an anarchist. Or libertarian socialist like Chomsky calls it. For me it's first and most a job. I am not an anarchist because it's the perfect political theory. I am an anarchist because there is no such thing as the perfect political theory. What has affected my anarchistic ideas most is the internet. And maybe there will rise a new idea of neo anarchism and I think and I hope that some sort of anarconomy will be the economic system of the future.

txurri746976 karma

how many languages do you speak?

Fridarfluga2803 karma

Barely one.

Cannibalzz893 karma

Is Bjork considered to be normal in your country?

Fridarfluga1237 karma

Yes.

SoHoNoVo844 karma

  • favourite place in Iceland that doesn't start with a "Rey" and end with "kjavik"?

Fridarfluga2298 karma

Then I would have to say Reykjavík.

svane833 karma

[deleted]

Fridarfluga1498 karma

Making my comedy, doing standup, maybe some writing. Trying to make a living :)

shaymi823 karma

Hello Mr. Gnarr!

Thanks for doing this AMA, you’re probably my favorite politician ever.

Over the summer, I got the chance to visit Iceland and I absolutely loved it. My boyfriend and I always talk about going to live in a Nordic country, but we’re limited by the fact that we only speak English. Are there people who immigrate to Iceland who don’t speak Icelandic? What do people think about them? Could you make me and my boyfriend honorary citizens? We’ll vote for you!

Fridarfluga1504 karma

Everybody speaks english here. I cannot make you honorary citizens, sorry (protocol).

TheHoneyThief804 karma

Hi Jon! It's really great to see a real human being getting involved in politics for a change! I have a few questions:

1) What is your greatest wish for Reykjavik?

2) What do you think Iceland's greatest (best) export is?

3) Do you believe in Elves?

Fridarfluga1872 karma

  1. I have a dream that one day Reykjavík can be an internationally declared military free zone and center for peace operations in the world. I have written President Obama a letter emphasizing this.
  2. Art.
  3. No, sorry. Do you?

Betsku650 karma

Who is your favourite comedian?

Fridarfluga2046 karma

Standup: Bill Hicks. Comedian: Karl Pilkington.

Carmanowar626 karma

Did you really think your party would win the election, or were you just trying to raise awareness? What advice do you have for those of us who are jaded with politics, but don't have the network/money to run for office (clearly I am in the united states)?

Fridarfluga1145 karma

I knew we would win from the early beginning. How I knew, I don't know. I just kind of felt it. Be creative. Use youtube, facebook, twitter, the lot.

krantz17622 karma

serious question here;

with increased globalization, do you fear the Icelandic culture/language may come under serious threat in the future? every year, more languages go extinct, and with such a small population, do you think Iceland (and other small European countries) will be able to "hold out" much longer?

Fridarfluga1294 karma

No, I think with increased globalization Iceland and many other smaller European countries will increasingly become bilingual. In the end I think we will all be speaking english.

Gnarr4President506 karma

[deleted]

Fridarfluga1179 karma

I've been following Colorade and Washington and I think I'm for medical marijuana.

rikkums499 karma

Hey Jón! You're awesome. Is there any chance of getting and english translation of your new book? Also, do you want to hang out sometime? I live in America, but I can catch a flight over to Iceland and we can watch The Wire or something.

P.S.: What is the best Punk Rock band of ALL TIME?

Fridarfluga1152 karma

My books will be out in german next year, and hopefully in english soon after. If ever in Reykjavík please drop by. I'm usually in a meeting.

Crass is the best!

MEGAtron902475 karma

You are one smart cookie. Is there any way you can send me a signed photograph, I'd like to frame it and put it on my wall.

Edit: Spelling

Fridarfluga936 karma

Send me an email at borgarstjori@reykjavik.is

ken27238443 karma

Which celebrity would you like to meet?

Fridarfluga1708 karma

I have dined with kings, I have been offered wings, but I have never been too impressed. I like regular people.

Plastpoki397 karma

Have you ever seen a cow, chasing boots?

Fridarfluga682 karma

Kúrekastígvél!

leroideschoux365 karma

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Fridarfluga907 karma

Bhutan.

TheJoePilato362 karma

The World/Inferno Friendship Society has a song called Just The Best Party. I think you should give it a listen and consider using as a theme. They're a bunch of anarcho-circus-burlesque punks and would probably be pleased to hear from you (not that I dare speak for Jack).

Fridarfluga363 karma

Wow, thank you. I'll look into that.

Atlantic_Wolffish354 karma

You are the best goddamn mayor the city of Reykjavik has ever had! Can you tell our international audience a bit about the best party's campaign platform of anarcho-surrealism?

Fridarfluga1028 karma

Well, it's mostly about nonviolent communication, humanistic values like humor and the opinion that politics are a part of our society and don't necessarily need to be boring. You can be funny and even silly and still be serious.

fishchunks340 karma

Hey, What is your average day like? Thanks, you're awesome!

Fridarfluga877 karma

Meetings. Some more meetings. Speech. Concert.

astroknots326 karma

Hullo! I'm an astronomer in the U.S. I see a lot of great pictures coming out of Iceland--I was wondering if you had any experience with or interest in the star-gazing outside of Reykjavik. If so, what is your favorite site that you have seen? If not, what is your favorite constellation?

Ta, thanks for your time :)

Fridarfluga462 karma

I have really no knowledge of the sky above me.

ofthestory269 karma

I'm visiting Reykjavík in early March, whats is one thing I should make sure to do?

Fridarfluga733 karma

Hang around and blend in.

seeamanaboutadog262 karma

Was reading some of your responses already and noticed your username. What's it mean and why did you choose that one?

Fridarfluga685 karma

It means the fly of peace. I use it often. It has a strange attachment to Flugufrelsarinn by Sigur Rós.

Skallagri260 karma

What is the craziest thing you have done while being the Mayor of Reykjavík?

Fridarfluga605 karma

I don't think I have done any crazy things. But there was a lot of crazyness before.

Letterbocks249 karma

Hi Jón! Do you like the work of Hugleikur Dagsson?

Fridarfluga1470 karma

Yes, I love him. I'm actually his mother.

anterab233 karma

Can you convince Stanhope to tour Europe?

Fridarfluga721 karma

I don't know. I can try. But he's pretty uncontrollable. I have been trying to get Tig Notaro to come here. I would also like to see Eddie Izzard.

unsilviu208 karma

What do you think of the Pirate Party?

Fridarfluga425 karma

I admire the platform. The hive concept and liquid democracy. I follow it closely.

Beepopp197 karma

What is the one best thing about being a mayor, maybe some privilege?

Fridarfluga573 karma

Getting the chance to really have a saying. I try to use it wisely.

txurri746184 karma

do you like sigur ros? sorry if i'm being stereotypical

Fridarfluga399 karma

Yes I love Sigurrós. Flugufrelsarinn clings in my head every single day.

ranmaraffo179 karma

Halló minn kæri borgarstjóri :) The Best Party seems to be going to compete for the general Alþingi elections next spring: do you see your future on a larger scale, i.e., would you ever consider to run for Prime Minister? Also, what kind of political platform do you think would work best for the coming elections?

Fridarfluga379 karma

I have been thinking a lot about this. I actually think I would be a good prime minister, but of course it all depends on the platform.

Sir_John_Smith_III172 karma

What is you favorite Yule Lad?

Fridarfluga843 karma

I'm a feminist and they are all men. I would really like to see some yule gals. You know, equal rights and all that.

dratsaab127 karma

Hello, what question have you never been asked, but wish you have?

Fridarfluga195 karma

There are so many.

Obnoxiousness61 karma

What would you say was your biggest accomplishment as mayor yet?

Fridarfluga196 karma

Surviving. And still having fun.