REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Iceland will hold parliamentary elections on Saturday following a breakdown in Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson’s coalition government. Disagreements over immigration, energy policies, and economic issues prompted the early vote, marking yet another chapter in Iceland’s political instability since the 2008 financial crisis.
This election will be the country’s sixth since the banking collapse devastated the economy and eroded trust in traditional political parties. Current opinion polls suggest Iceland is on the verge of another shake-up, with public support waning for the three-party coalition led by Benediktsson. He has struggled to maintain unity among his conservative Independence Party, the centrist Progressive Party, and the Left-Green Movement since becoming prime minister in April.
Iceland, a North Atlantic island nation of approximately 400,000 residents, proudly boasts one of the world’s oldest parliamentary democracies. The Althingi, established in 930 by Norse settlers, is central to the nation’s democratic traditions.
How Does the Election Work?
The 63 seats in Iceland’s Althingi will be contested using a mixed system of regional constituencies and proportional representation. To secure seats in parliament, parties must obtain at least 5% of the national vote. The outgoing parliament included eight parties, but 10 are competing in this election.
Voter turnout in Iceland is traditionally high, with 80% of registered voters participating in the 2021 election.
Why an Early Election?
Normally, elections in Iceland are held during warmer months, but on October 13, Benediktsson requested the dissolution of parliament, citing irreparable divisions within his coalition.
Political commentator Vilhjálmur Bjarnson remarked on Iceland’s leadership challenges, saying, “We lack a strong, charismatic leader with a clear vision, which makes governance especially difficult.”
What’s Driving Iceland’s Political Fragmentation?
The financial crisis of 2008 left lasting scars on Iceland’s political landscape, leading to widespread distrust of traditional parties. The crisis also paved the way for new political movements, such as the environmentalist Left-Green Alliance and the Pirate Party, which champions direct democracy and individual freedoms.
“The political fragmentation we see today stems directly from the economic crash,” explained Eva H. Önnudóttir, a political science professor at the University of Iceland. “Traditional parties hoped for a return to the old status quo, but that’s not going to happen.”
सम्बंधित ख़बरें
Key Issues in the Election
Iceland faces challenges similar to those of other Western nations, including rising living costs and immigration pressures.
Inflation, which peaked at 10.2% in February 2023, has since eased to 5.1% as of October but remains high compared to neighboring countries. By contrast, inflation was 2.6% in the U.S. and 2.3% in the European Union during the same period.
Immigration is also a contentious topic, with Iceland seeing a dramatic increase in asylum applications in recent years. Over 4,000 asylum seekers sought protection annually in the past three years, a significant rise from the pre-2020 average of fewer than 1,000.
The Impact of Volcanic Eruptions
Ongoing volcanic activity in southwestern Iceland has displaced thousands and strained government resources. The town of Grindavik remains in recovery one year after its evacuation, with many residents still without stable housing. This situation has exacerbated Iceland’s existing housing crisis, worsened by a booming tourism industry.
The shortage of affordable housing is increasingly affecting young Icelanders, as short-term vacation rentals reduce the availability of homes for locals. “Housing is becoming a significant issue, especially for young people trying to establish themselves,” Önnudóttir noted.
As Iceland heads to the polls, these pressing issues underscore the challenges facing its next government.