Iceland’s parliamentarians prepare for upcoming elections as majority express intention to run again

A significant number of Iceland’s parliamentarians are preparing for the upcoming elections, with 34 out of the 63 sitting members of the Althingi expressing their intention to run again. While some lawmakers are still undecided, only one has confirmed a decision to step back.

Pétur Ottesen holds the record for the longest-serving member of the Althingi, having been elected during World War II and serving nearly 43 years until 1959. Since 2007, there has been a considerable turnover among MPs, with only four currently possessing around 20 years of experience: Bjarni Benediktsson, Birgir Ármannsson, and Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson from the Independence Party, along with Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, who has had a brief hiatus from parliament.

The 2016 elections marked a record influx of new representatives, with 32 newcomers taking office. Subsequent elections in 2017 and the last elections saw a mix of new and returning MPs, ensuring a steady refresh of the parliamentary landscape.

Among those indicating they will seek reelection are Þorgerður Katrín, Inga Sæland, Þórhildur Sunna, and Kristrún Frostadóttir. As the possibility of spring elections looms, interest in returning is growing among various party members.

Responses reveal that out of 40 parliamentarians who replied to inquiries, a majority from parties such as the Progressive Party and the Independence Party showed less certainty about their future plans, with several key figures hesitating or remaining non-committal. Meanwhile, all members of the Reform Party and the Center Party confirmed their intent to run again, alongside several from other parties.