Reykjavík faces political shift as Progressive Party support plummets in recent survey

If local elections were held today in Reykjavík, the Progressive Party, which won the last elections, would see a dramatic drop in support, garnering only 4% of the votes—a 14% decline since their previous standing. According to a recent survey conducted between August 7 and 16, the Social Democratic Alliance would emerge as the most popular party, receiving backing from 26% of voters, followed by the Independence Party with 20%. The Pirate Party would receive 12%, while the Left-Green Movement would struggle to secure support with just 3%.

These numbers indicate significant gains for the Alliance at 5.6%, a 6.4% increase for the Reform Party, and a slight uptick of 0.3% for the Pirates. If elections were to take place now, the Progressive Party might manage to gain one representative in the city council, but that remains uncertain.

Concerning the city council’s performance, only 18% of Reykjavík residents believe the current majority is doing well in their role, while just 23% are satisfied with the mayor’s performance. A notable 44% express dissatisfaction with the majority, and the minority coalition scores poorly as well—only 10% of voters think they are performing adequately.

When asked which city council representative has performed the best, 18% cited Sunna Magdalena Mörtudóttir from the Socialist Party, followed by Dagur B. Eggertsson of the Social Democratic Alliance with 16%, and Hildur Björnsdóttir from the Independence Party with 14%. The mayor secured fourth place with just 7% approval. Among residents living in the city center and Vesturbær, there seems to be greater satisfaction with the mayor’s performance compared to those residing east of Elliðaá.