Iceland News in English

Iceland Politician Returns After 18-Year Split

Drífa Snædal has rejoined Iceland's Left-Green Movement after leaving in 2017 over coalition disputes. Her return aims to support a candidate in Reykjavik's city council elections, highlighting ongoing tensions between environmental priorities and political compromise. This move could shape green policies in the capital and influence broader Nordic cooperation.

Iceland Múlaþing 2045 Plan: 50 Submissions

Múlaþing, Iceland, faces nearly 50 public submissions critiquing its draft 2045 master plan. Key issues include road changes, wind energy limits, and helicopter flight policies. The municipality must now navigate this feedback to finalize a blueprint for the region's future.

Iceland's Kvika Bank Fined 20M for Data Breach

Kvika Bank pays a major fine for failing to report tens of thousands of transactions to Icelandic regulators. The breach lasted over a year, creating a blind spot for market surveillance. This enforcement action underscores the non-negotiable nature of financial transparency in Iceland's post-crisis landscape.

Iceland Election Salaries: Mayors Earn 2-3 Million ISK

Iceland's municipal election candidates can earn from 350,000 to over 3 million ISK monthly, with Reykjavik councilors leading in pay. Salary disparities across the capital area raise transparency questions ahead of spring votes. Understanding these figures is key for voters assessing political accountability.

Iceland Beach Erosion: 100 Meters Lost

Unprecedented erosion has stripped over 100 meters of sand from Iceland's famous Reynisfjara beach, exposing basalt columns to the sea. Locals describe shock as infrastructure risks rise. Experts are uncertain if the sand will fully return.

Iceland Earthquakes: 3.4 Quake Shakes Eldey

A magnitude 3.4 earthquake struck near Eldey island today, the largest in a swarm of dozens of tremors on the Reykjanes Ridge. The Icelandic Met Office says such activity is common in the area and intensity is now decreasing.

Iceland Violence: Man Stabbed in Reykjavík, 89 Police Calls

Iceland Records 4 Public Order Incidents in Single Day

Iceland's Drug Dispenser Divide: 10 East, 100 Capital

Iceland's Foster Care Survivors Meet PM: Demand Reform

Iceland Preschool Crisis: Staff Flee 36-Hour Week

All Reykjavik preschool directors warn of a staffing exodus due to Iceland's new 36-hour work week, creating a crisis in childcare. A political solution is promised for February, but will it come in time?

Iceland's Fjarðabyggð Transport Snarl: 10-Minute Gap Hits East

A 10-minute bus delay has cut Fjarðabyggð off from daily travel to Akureyri. The local council is demanding immediate fixes from national transport authorities. This issue highlights broader failures in Iceland's rural public transport and environmental goals.

Iceland Central Bank Warns Unions: Wage Hikes Trigger Rate Rises

Iceland's Central Bank directly warns labor unions that pursuing inflation-triggered wage hikes will force immediate interest rate increases. This sets up a high-stakes confrontation ahead of critical August inflation data.

Iceland Steam Baths Face New Music Royalty Fees

Iceland's copyright groups will charge steam baths for playing music during sessions, calling it a core service, not background noise. Bath operators now face a new fee that could impact pricing for popular guided 'gusa' experiences. The move highlights the value of music in Iceland's wellness tourism.

Iceland MP Mocks Parliament Tech: 1 Funny Speech

MP Jón Gnarr mixed serious critique with comedy to highlight the Althing's outdated technology, emphasizing accessibility issues. His speech, echoing a character he once played, got laughs but also a serious response from the Speaker. The incident pushes Iceland's parliament to confront modernization needs for its democratic tools.

Iceland Poll: Party Support Holds Steady

A new Gallup poll shows Iceland's political party support remains stable, with the Social Democratic Alliance leading at 31%. The minimal changes suggest public confidence in the government's performance, particularly on environmental policies. What does this mean for Iceland's future elections and Nordic cooperation?

Iceland's Viðreisn Elects New Reykjavík Leader

Björg Magnúsdóttir wins the Viðreisn party primary to lead its Reykjavík election list. Defeated candidate Aðalsteinn Leifsson calls the contest "a Viðreisn of honor," highlighting internal party democracy as the focus shifts to the municipal campaign.

Iceland Assault: 1 Arrest After Political Intervention

Icelandic swimming champion and political figure Anton Sveinn McKee intervened in a midnight assault in Garðabær, leading to one arrest. The incident highlights rare violent crime in Iceland and raises questions about public safety and political activism. Read more on the implications for Reykjavik and Nordic communities.

Grindavík Holds Feast After 15-Month Volcanic Evacuation

For the first time since a volcanic evacuation in 2023, residents of Grindavík are gathering in their hometown for a traditional feast. The sold-out event marks a powerful moment of community resilience amid ongoing geological uncertainty on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula.

Iceland Parents Push Hjallastefna School: 133 Signatures

Parents in Selfoss, Iceland, rally with 133 signatures for a Hjallastefna primary school in Árborg, highlighting demand for educational choice. The petition targets local authorities, seeking to extend the alternative method from preschool to primary levels. This move could influence broader trends in Icelandic and Nordic education.

Iceland's Centre Party Fields Reykjavik Candidate Amid Housing Crisis

Breki Atlason joins the Centre Party's Reykjavik ticket, targeting the city's housing shortage as his central campaign issue. The candidate brings youth movement experience to the municipal race, aiming to attract young voters. His entry tests the party's ability to translate its regional focus to urban challenges.

Iceland Althing Debates Presidential Powers Bill

Iceland's PM proposes a bill to formalize her role in appointing the presidential secretary, calling it a clarification. Former President Grímsson condemns it as an attack on the office's independence. Historical data now going to a parliamentary committee may decide the outcome.