Iceland's Left-Green Movement has welcomed back a former member after 18 years, marking a sharp reversal from her principled exit over coalition politics. Drífa Snædal, once a prominent spokesperson for Stígamót, re-joined Vinstrihreyfinguna – grænt framboð (VG) this week. Her return contrasts starkly with her 2017 departure, when she left in protest over proposed government cooperation with the Independence Party.
A Principled Departure
Drífa Snædal had been a registered member of VG for eighteen years before quitting. She served as the party's executive director and was a deputy member of the Althing. Her exit in 2017 was vocal and driven by deep dissatisfaction. She cited formal coalition talks between VG and the Independence Party as her breaking point. At the time, she compared a potential three-party coalition to an abusive relationship. That coalition, involving VG, the Progressive Party, and the Independence Party, later formed and continued after the 2021 parliamentary elections.
Her departure highlighted internal fractures within VG over environmental priorities versus political pragmatism. The party has long championed Iceland's geothermal energy expansion and sustainable fishing quotas. Snædal's exit signaled a clash between core green values and the compromises of government. This tension remains relevant in Reykjavik's districts where development often conflicts with conservation goals.
The Facebook Announcement
Drífa Snædal announced her return on her personal Facebook page. She stated she was rejoining to support Auði Alfífu Ketilsdóttur, who is running for the second seat on VG's Reykjavik city council list. "Well, it came to the point where I decided to re-register with VG and for a good reason," Snædal wrote. "It will be wonderful to live in a city where Fífa is my representative in government." She was not available for further comment during the reporting of this story.
This move aligns her with a candidate focused on urban environmental issues in the capital. Reykjavik's city council elections will test VG's ability to push green infrastructure projects. These include district heating from geothermal sources and stricter regulations on harbor pollution. Snædal's endorsement could bolster support in key neighborhoods grappling with development pressures.
Political Context and Coalition History
The coalition Snædal opposed in 2017 has defined Icelandic politics for years. VG's partnership with the Independence Party raised questions about environmental policy compromises. For instance, fishing industry data often shows tensions between economic interests and sustainable quotas. The Althing has debated these issues extensively, with VG members pushing for stricter controls.
Snædal's return comes as VG prepares for local elections amid national political shifts. Her support for Auði Alfífu Ketilsdóttur suggests a focus on reinforcing the party's green agenda in Reykjavik. This could influence Nordic cooperation models, as Iceland often mirrors regional trends in environmental governance. Other Nordic countries watch Iceland's balance of geothermal energy use and marine conservation.
Environmental Angle in Reykjavik
As Iceland's Affairs Correspondent, the environmental implications of this political move are key. VG's platform in Reykjavik emphasizes reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy. The city's reliance on geothermal power is a model for Nordic regions, but it faces challenges from urban sprawl. Snædal's return may signal a renewed push for policies that protect natural habitats while supporting green jobs.
Specific Icelandic regions like the capital area are central to this. Reykjavik's districts must manage waste, energy, and tourism impacts. VG's candidates, backed by figures like Snædal, often advocate for integrated solutions. These include expanding public transit to curb pollution and investing in green spaces. Her historical stance suggests she will hold the party accountable to its environmental roots.
Analyzing the Comeback's Impact
Drífa Snædal's re-entry into VG is more than a personal political journey. It reflects ongoing dynamics within Iceland's left-green movement. Her initial exit was a protest against perceived ideological dilution. Her return, to support a specific candidate, indicates a strategic alignment with factions prioritizing environmental integrity. This could strengthen VG's credibility among voters concerned about climate policy.
The timing ahead of Reykjavik's city council elections is significant. VG faces competition from other parties on issues like housing and energy costs. Snædal's involvement might galvanize grassroots support, particularly in districts affected by industrial pollution. Her experience with Stígamót also brings a focus on social justice, linking environmental issues to community well-being.