Pirate Party appoints Þórhildur Elínardóttir Magnúsdóttir as new chair following leadership changes in Iceland

The newly elected chairman of the Pirate Party’s executive committee has affirmed that there is no internal discord within the party, despite the resignation of the former chairman after just three weeks in office.

A new executive board was elected during the party’s national congress on September 7, with Halldór Auðar Svansson taking over the chairmanship from Atli Stefáns Yngvason. Leading up to this vote, there was some turbulence that resulted in the resignation of former communications director Atli Þór Fanndal.

At the first meeting of the newly appointed executive committee, it was agreed that leadership roles would be reassigned. Halldór stepped down at his own request, and Þórhildur Elínardóttir Magnúsdóttir assumed the chairmanship. She emphasized that Halldór remains a full member of the committee, and she looks forward to collaborating with him in the future.

When asked if this leadership change stemmed from any disagreement, Þórhildur dismissed the idea, stating, “This was a joint decision made by the executive committee.” She stressed that the transitions do not indicate any instability within the party.

“We have made all these decisions together. There is no turmoil within the party. We are all working together and intend to continue doing so. The outgoing executive members who ran for re-election are alternates and have full speaking and voting rights within the committee. This is how we, the Pirates, prefer to operate—by including as many voices as possible in our work,” she added.