Candidates address pressing issues ahead of elections in Iceland

In the lead-up to the parliamentary elections in Iceland set for November 30, political candidates are addressing pressing issues faced by their constituencies. During a debate, candidates from the Southern constituency highlighted a range of topics, including infrastructure, housing, and the welfare of individuals with disabilities.

A key point of discussion was the importance of strengthening cooperation between national and local governments, reflecting concerns that existing dialogues are insufficient. The chair of the National Senior Citizens’ Union expressed dissatisfaction over the low pensions received by many elderly citizens, pressing political leaders to improve conditions for this demographic.

Meanwhile, candidates in the Northwestern constituency expressed a strong preference for the construction of a new tunnel between Ísafjörður and Súðavík, emphasizing the dangers posed by the current mountain road. This viewpoint was echoed at a recent forum where transport issues were deliberated.

The ongoing discussions also included housing market challenges, where candidates proposed potential solutions such as stricter regulations on short-term rentals, tax incentives for housing development, and measures to assist young people in accessing affordable housing.

In today’s parliamentary session, five legislative matters are on the agenda, including urgent changes to electoral laws, aiming to facilitate the registration process for Icelanders living abroad.

The current political landscape reflects a keen interest in healthcare, with many candidates prioritizing it as a major concern ahead of the elections, representing a significant expenditure for the government. Various parties are expected to focus on improving the system’s efficacy and accessibility as they campaign.