Politics & Government Guide · IcelandPolitics & Government Guide in Iceland
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Iceland is a parliamentary republic with President Halla Tómasdóttir as head of state and Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir leading a centre-left coalition government formed after the November 2024 snap election. The unicameral Althingi has 63 seats, with the coalition focusing on public sector streamlining, welfare enhancement, climate goals, and housing reforms. A referendum on EU membership negotiations is scheduled no later than 2027.
Government Type
Parliamentary republic
Legal System
Civil law system
Head of State
President Halla Tómasdóttir(since 2024)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir(Social Democratic Alliance)since 2024
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Centre-left
Centre-right
Centrist
Populist
Voting Rights
Any eligible voter, except the President and Supreme Court judges, can stand for parliament. EU citizens can vote in local elections.
Recent Developments
- Parliamentary elections held on November 30, 2024, resulted in a centre-left Social Democratic Alliance winning the most seats
- New coalition government formed on December 21, 2024, by Social Democratic Alliance, Liberal Reform Party, and People’s Party
- Government priorities include administrative reforms, welfare strengthening, housing accessibility, and a planned EU membership referendum by 2027
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