Latest politics news and updates from Iceland in English.
Iceland’s Health Minister Alma D. Möller admits the country is decades behind in expanding nursing home capacity. Despite deep knowledge of the issue, little progress has been made since 2019, with only 69 new beds added against a target of 540.
Icelandic group Rósin exits the Social Democratic Alliance’s Reykjavík council after its chair was denied a candidate spot. Deputy chair Guðný Maja Riba calls it a protest against ignoring grassroots support for experienced candidates.
A Gallup poll shows 66.4% of Westman Islanders are satisfied with Mayor Íris Róbertsdóttir's work since 2018. However, the Independence Party leads in voting intentions with 43.9% support.
Iceland has proposed a legal change to deport foreign prisoners earlier—after one-third of their sentence instead of half. The measure targets non-residents with minimal ties to Iceland and would end in 2027.
Vor til vinstri and Vinstri græn are forming a joint list for Reykjavik city council elections. The coalition is seeking diverse candidates who share their values of social and economic justice.
Kristinn Þór Jónasson is running for re-election to Fjarðabyggð's municipal council with the Independence Party. He is one of three candidates competing for the second spot on the party’s ballot list.
Isavia cited strict confidentiality clauses when refusing to disclose terms of its currency exchange contract at Keflavík Airport. A traveler’s reported loss of 15,000 ISK and high service fees sparked public scrutiny, but answers took over nine months to arrive.
Iceland's Revival Party will hold a leadership primary for Reykjavík municipal elections. Several prominent figures are considering runs after the current chair announced she won't seek re-election. The contest highlights shifting dynamics within Iceland's political landscape.
Lilja Rannveig Sigurgeirsdóttir won the Progressive Party secretary election with 53.3% support. The party also announced its chairman won't seek re-election and criticized government economic policy. These leadership changes come ahead of the party's February convention.
Iceland's Progressive Party leader steps down unexpectedly while the nation debates its role in global AI development. The Supreme Court also issued a disappointing ruling in a major consumer interest case. Political uncertainty grows during critical energy policy discussions.
Iceland's former Children's Minister resigned after a complaint about her family background. The Data Protection Authority ruled the Prime Minister's Office properly disclosed the complainant's identity. The case shows how personal conflicts can affect political positions in Iceland.
Iceland plans to remove import taxes on electric, methane and hydrogen vehicles while increasing fees on fossil fuel cars. The policy creates permanent incentives for clean transportation as the country shifts from direct purchase subsidies. Regular car import taxes will jump from 5% to 15% under the proposed changes.
Iceland's culture minister defends his media subsidy reforms against committee opposition. He says struggling outlets like Sýnar prove the system needs change. The debate highlights tensions between government support and media independence in Iceland.
Iceland's Center Party faces internal conflict after transgender comments at their convention. A deputy criticized LGBTQ+ leader Eldur Smári Kristinsson's characterization of events. The clash reveals political tensions around gender identity in Icelandic society.
Reykjavik's fuel station reduction contracts face new scrutiny after an internal audit revealed procedural shortcomings. City officials must now determine if the agreements violated competition rules and require notification to European trade authorities. The situation highlights challenges in balancing environmental goals with proper administrative oversight.
Iceland's Parliamentary Ombudsman exposed a ministry that missed 26 self-imposed deadlines for processing a business case. The company faced financial consequences from the delays, yet received only repeated postponements. This case reveals systemic issues in Icelandic administrative responsiveness.
Nineteen small Icelandic municipalities are protesting a government plan to force mergers of communities with fewer than 250 residents. They call the proposal an attack on local democracy that strips residents of decision-making power. The controversy highlights tensions between government efficiency goals and traditional local control.
Iceland's innovation minister hosts public meetings in East Iceland towns Egilsstaðir and Eskifjörður. Residents can discuss cultural and education policy directly with government officials. The events continue his nationwide tour connecting with citizens outside Reykjavík.