Rósin chooses party loyalty over left alliance
Rósin, a political association within Samfylkingin (Iceland's Social Democratic Alliance), has decided to remain with the party rather than join a new left-wing coalition for Reykjavík's upcoming municipal elections. The group rejected an offer from Vor til vinstri (Forward Left), which is running alongside the Left-Greens under the banner "Vinstrið" (The Left). Source: Government of Iceland.
Guðný Maja Riba, a Samfylkingin city councilor, announced the decision on behalf of Rósin's board after what the group described as "substantive and constructive" talks with the left coalition, according to Vísir. The association acknowledged "strong consensus on many issues that matter to both movements," particularly around social justice and broader political participation.
Internal disputes sparked coalition talks
The negotiations originated from internal friction within Rósin and disputes with chairman Guðmundur Ingi Þóroddsson, according to Heimildin. Þóroddsson had competed in Samfylkingin's primary for Reykjavík but failed to secure one of the top six spots on the party list.
After clashing with Samfylkingin's election committee, Þóroddsson was denied a lower position on the list entirely. This rejection prompted his discussions with Vor til vinstri about potential cooperation, creating a rift within Rósin between those willing to break from Samfylkingin and those preferring party unity.
The episode illustrates Iceland's complex municipal politics, where local associations often hold significant influence within national parties. Municipal elections in Iceland determine local services but also serve as testing grounds for national political strategies, with successful municipal politicians frequently advancing to Althingi seats.
Electoral implications for May elections
Rósin's rejection leaves the left coalition without a potentially valuable partner ahead of municipal elections. For Samfylkingin, retaining Rósin prevents further fragmentation of the center-left vote in Reykjavík. The party faced leadership changes in 2023 when Kristrún Frostadóttir replaced Logi Einarsson as party chair, making internal unity strategically important.
Rósin framed their decision as educational, saying the process highlighted "the importance of open discussion about prejudice and the status of marginalized groups in society." This suggests the association will continue pushing progressive causes from within Samfylkingin rather than joining external coalitions.
The split reveals a tension in Iceland's left politics between institutional stability and ideological alignment. Rósin chose party loyalty, but Þóroddsson's defection signals dissatisfaction within Social Democratic ranks. If Samfylkingin loses seats in May's municipal elections, expect this internal fracture to widen as progressive activists question whether the party can deliver meaningful change from within established structures.
Read more: Rósin Quits Social Democratic Council Over Candidate Snub.