Iceland’s Prime Minister Dissolves Coalition Government, Calls for November Elections

Icelandic Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson has officially dissolved the country’s three-party coalition government, announcing new elections to be held in November. This decision comes as mounting tensions within the coalition have made governance increasingly difficult.
In a press conference on Sunday, Benediktsson outlined the key issues that have strained the partnership between his right-wing Independence Party, the Left-Green Movement, and the centre-right Progressive Party. Disagreements over foreign policy, asylum seekers, and energy have intensified, leading the Prime Minister to conclude that “these issues need to be discussed more thoroughly than they were in the last election in 2021.” He emphasized the stark differences in vision between his party and the Left-Green Movement.
Benediktsson expressed disappointment over the coalition’s inability to maintain a unified direction. “It’s disappointing when projects run aground or circumstances change,” he stated, reflecting on the challenges that have arisen in recent months. He indicated that a government must share a common vision to function effectively, which has proven elusive in the current coalition.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with President Halla Tomasdottir on Monday to discuss the formal dissolution of parliament, with elections required to take place within 45 days, as mandated by law. Benediktsson, who has been a prominent figure in Icelandic politics, has strong backing from his party and is expected to run in the upcoming elections.
Previously, Benediktsson served as both finance minister and foreign minister, bringing considerable experience to his current role. He stepped into the Prime Minister position in April after former Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir of the Left-Green Movement resigned to pursue the presidency.
Recent polling highlights the precarious state of the coalition, with a Gallup poll on October 1 revealing that only 24.6% of voters supported the government—its lowest approval rating in 30 years. This declining support is particularly concerning given recent challenges, including volcanic eruptions that have displaced thousands and compounded economic pressures from high inflation and interest rates.
Conclusion
The dissolution of Iceland’s coalition government marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. As the nation prepares for elections in November, voters will have the opportunity to reshape their leadership in response to pressing issues. Stay tuned for updates as the political situation develops and the electoral process unfolds.