Reynisson announces candidacy for South Constituency in Iceland’s parliamentary elections

Víðir Reynisson, the head of Iceland’s Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, has announced his candidacy for the top position in the South Constituency representing the Social Democratic Alliance (Samfylkingin). He states that he has been a social democrat for his entire life, making his decision to run an obvious choice.

Reynisson, who is well-known for his role in managing public safety during crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, is stepping up after Oddný G. Harðardóttir, the current leader in the South Constituency, declared earlier this week that she would not seek re-election in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Should he be elected, Víðir plans to take a leave of absence from his position with the Department of Civil Protection. He remarked, “I will start my leave now that the list is finalized, and we will see how things unfold. It is clear that if I receive the trust to enter parliament, I will no longer serve in that role.”

When asked about his priorities if elected, Víðir highlighted welfare issues, particularly focusing on children and youth, along with law enforcement and safety as key areas of concern.

This election cycle has seen various shifts, including Alma Möller, the national chief medical officer, indicating her intention to run for the Social Democratic Alliance in the Southwest Constituency. However, not all members of the team that guided Iceland through the pandemic plan to pursue parliamentary seats, with former chief epidemiologist Þórólfur Guðnason confirming he will not run.