Iceland's Viðreisn party has chosen Björg Magnúsdóttir to lead its Reykjavík list in upcoming municipal elections. She defeated Aðalsteinn Leifsson, an aide to the Foreign Minister, in a primary vote described by the loser as an honorable contest for the center-right party.
Björg Magnúsdóttir received 1,011 votes to Aðalsteinn Leifsson's 587. The result determines who will be the party's top candidate for the Reykjavík city council. The election highlights internal dynamics within the party, a key member of Iceland's governing coalition.
A Campaign of Respect
Speaking after the results were announced, Aðalsteinn Leifsson framed his loss positively. "This was an incredibly fun election campaign, substantive and a Viðreisn til sóma," he said. The Icelandic phrase translates to "a Viðreisn of honor" or "a credit to Viðreisn." He pointed to the atmosphere within the party, stating, "You see what the spirit is like here." Leifsson argued the party emerges stronger from the process than when it began.
He deferred questions about his own place on the final candidate list. "It is far too early to say anything about that," Leifsson noted. He explained the party's sequential process, where members first choose a chairperson before a committee constructs the full electoral slate. "We set this up so that we elect our chair and then a group oversees how best to arrange a winning list, and we give them the space to do that in peace," he said.
The Stakes for Reykjavík
The leadership of the Reykjavík list is a significant position. Viðreisn holds seats on the city council and influences policy in Iceland's capital, from housing in Breiðholt to harbor developments. The party's national platform, which often stresses market solutions and environmental innovation, is tested at the municipal level. Policies on geothermal energy management, a cornerstone of Reykjavík's heating system, and sustainable urban planning are often debated in the council chamber.
This internal election comes as national politics remain stable under the current coalition. A strong showing in Reykjavík is vital for Viðreisn's claim to represent urban, progressive voters. The party has historically pushed for tighter fishing quotas aligned with scientific advice and greater Nordic cooperation on carbon neutrality goals, positions that resonate in the capital.
Mapping the Political Landscape
Primary elections like this one are a hallmark of Icelandic political culture, promoting internal democracy. The table below shows the final vote count between the two candidates for the Reykjavík list leadership.
| Candidate | Votes Received |
|---|---|
| Björg Magnúsdóttir | 1,011 |
| Aðalsteinn Leifsson | 587 |
The decisive margin for Magnúsdóttir provides her with a clear mandate to shape the local campaign. Her victory suggests a continuation of the party's current direction in the capital. Observers will now watch how the list committee, including Leifsson, builds a team to contest districts across the city.
The Road to the Council Elections
With the chairperson selected, Viðreisn's focus shifts to assembling a broad candidate list. The party must balance experience with new voices, a task that will now fall under Magnúsdóttir's purview. The goal is to craft a "winning list" capable of maintaining or expanding their council presence. This process will unfold in the coming weeks, setting the stage for the full municipal election campaign.
Leifsson's role in that next phase remains an open question. His statement that it is "too early" leaves his future involvement unclear. Whether he takes a prominent spot on the list or supports from behind the scenes, his call for an honorable campaign sets a tone the party will hope to project publicly.
A Nordic Model of Party Politics
This orderly transition of candidacy leadership mirrors processes seen in other Nordic liberal parties. It underscores a political culture where internal competition is not seen as divisive but as a sign of a healthy, engaged membership. For Viðreisn, which models itself on a modern, European liberal tradition, demonstrating this smooth internal democracy is part of its brand. It reinforces their message of transparent and responsible governance, both for Reykjavík's residents and within the wider Nordic political community.
The outcome strengthens Björg Magnúsdóttir's position as a leading figure within the party's Reykjavík wing. Her success now connects directly to her ability to lead the local campaign on issues from transportation to green space. The party's ability to translate its national environmental and economic policies into compelling local plans will be tested on the doorstep in neighborhoods from Grafarvogur to Kópavogur.
As the committee meets to build the candidate list, the party faces the classic challenge of Icelandic politics uniting behind a new standard-bearer. Aðalsteinn Leifsson's gracious concession and his praise for a "substantive" campaign provide a foundation for that unity. The final test will be whether this internal contest of honor translates into external votes across Reykjavík.