New deputy leader wants party hub to strengthen grassroots

Guðmundur Ari Sigurjónsson, the newly elected deputy leader of the Social Democratic Alliance, wants to strengthen the party’s grassroots and start preparing for the next parliamentary election now, mbl.is reports.

Sigurjónsson was elected unopposed at a party executive meeting in Suðurnesjabær on Saturday. In a speech after his election, he said the party was in a strong position as the largest party in parliament and with its leader heading the government, but warned that this could not be taken for granted.

He said the next two years should be used to reinforce the party’s internal work and build an active grassroots ahead of the election. He wants the party’s planned move to new offices to support that effort, with the premises developed as a social hub where members can meet, hold events and get help with their work.

His proposals also include setting up recording facilities for podcasts and videos that members around the country could use. He called for closer cooperation between grassroots members, the parliamentary group and local government representatives, as well as support for elected officials with research, speechwriting and communications.

Sigurjónsson said the party should not wait until the next parliamentary election to mobilise its members. He also called for continued investment in youth organising, greater engagement with older members and better use of the experience of local government representatives.

He said the government had already made progress on the economy and public finances, while work continued on infrastructure, increasing the number of nursing home places and improving housing security. He argued that responsible economic management should lead to better services and greater security for the public.

Sigurjónsson succeeds Guðmundur Árni Stefánsson, who asked to leave the post. He will serve as deputy leader until the party’s next national congress in the spring.