Icelandic parliament to dissolve ahead of elections on November 30

The Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, is set to dissolve ahead of elections scheduled for November 30, following a decision made by President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson regarding Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson’s request. Benediktsson has submitted his resignation and that of his cabinet, leading to the formation of a two-party caretaker government involving the Progressive Party and the Independence Party. Members of the Left-Green Movement are stepping down from their ministerial positions and will serve as regular MPs starting tomorrow.

The Prime Minister has indicated that efforts will continue to address pressing matters in Parliament with responsibility and diligence, as he expects all MPs to focus on completing critical tasks before elections. He expressed little expectation that current ministers from the Progressive Party or the Left-Green Movement would resign prior to the elections since many hold significant responsibilities.

Benediktsson noted that the clarification surrounding the dissolution is beneficial, allowing Parliament to prioritize finalizing legislative matters, especially the budget. According to President Halla Tómasdóttir, it is in the best interest of the nation to move forward with elections, which have been agreed to take place on November 30. The interim government will remain in place until a new government is formed post-elections.

As political discussions continue, many MPs are contemplating their future roles ahead of the elections, with some already announcing their decisions not to run again. Various parties are preparing for their candidacies, with expectations of competitive elections ahead.