Hashim Abdi: A 20-Year-Old Somali Making History in Norway’s Parliament

Hashim Abdi: A 20-Year-Old Somali Making History in Norway’s Parliament

 

On election night in Fredrikstad, 20-year-old Hashim Abdi broke down in tears as results flashed on TV screens. He immediately called his mother—the only parent he has left—telling her she was the first person he thought of when it became clear he had won a seat in Norway’s parliament.

“My parents came to Norway with nothing but hope. Mom is the only parent I have left, and she deserves everything in the world,” Abdi said.

His tears reflected the weight of his journey. The son of Somali refugees, raised in a working-class neighborhood, Abdi is now among the youngest lawmakers in the Storting, Norway’s national legislature. His campaign focused on issues close to his own life: better schools, more opportunities for young people, and addressing poverty in Østfold, a county marked by rising inequality.

“It’s completely insane. It’s the story of Norway, that a boy from Trara can go from a small neighborhood to the corridors of power,” he remarked.

Abdi now joins Marian Abdi Hussein, a Socialist Left Party politician re-elected from Oslo. Hussein, the first African-born lawmaker to hold a permanent seat in parliament in 2021, has become a prominent national figure, especially on women’s rights and health policy. In 2023, she was elected deputy leader of her party.

Together, Hussein and Abdi symbolize both continuity and change for Somali Norwegians. Hussein broke barriers three years ago; Abdi represents a younger generation stepping into politics with fresh energy and determination.

Their victories also mirror broader shifts in Norwegian society. Labour secured around 30% of the vote in Østfold, anchoring Abdi’s win despite local gains by the Progress Party. Nationally, the results keep Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in office, relying on a left-leaning bloc to govern.

But beyond statistics, Abdi’s personal story resonates deeply in Norway’s Somali community. His late father, Mohodin, once drove a taxi and served on Fredrikstad’s city council. He instilled in his son a belief in civic duty and justice. From joining the Labour youth wing at 14 to climbing steadily through local politics, Hashim Abdi’s rise is a testament to perseverance, representation, and the changing face of Norway.