Five independence party members to leave Alþingi ahead of 2024 elections in Iceland

In the lead-up to the 2024 parliamentary elections in Iceland, five members of the Independence Party will not return to the Alþingi, the national parliament. This decision was made during a meeting of the party’s constituencies, excluding Reykjavik, where leadership candidates for the upcoming elections were selected.

Notably, Jón Gunnarsson, who served as Minister of Justice, has announced he will not seek re-election after half a term. Other significant changes include Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir winning the candidate position in the Southwest constituency, leading to the defeat of Jón Gunnarsson, who chose not to run for a lower position on the party list.

In the Northeast constituency, incumbent Njáll Trausti Friðbertsson also faced a loss, ceding to Jens Garðar Helgason. Meanwhile, Teitur Björn Einarsson from the Northwest constituency lost out to Björn Bjarki Þorsteinsson, leading to a new candidate taking over the top spot.

The situation has further evolved with Berglind Ósk Guðmundsdóttir, who has served in parliament since 2021, not being re-elected. Her seat will be taken by Berglind Harpa Svavarsdóttir, marking her as the fifth Independence Party member not returning after today’s announcements.

With elections scheduled for November 30, these shifts reflect significant changes within the Independence Party, impacting its strategy and representation in the forthcoming parliamentary term.