Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson adopts new tone on immigration ahead of Iceland’s 2024 parliamentary elections

In the lead-up to Iceland’s 2024 parliamentary elections, the leader of the Progressive Party, Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, has adopted a notably distinct tone in his rhetoric regarding immigration issues. Political science professor Ólafur Þ. Harðarson remarked that Sigurður aims to differentiate his party’s stance from that of the Center Party and the Independence Party.

During a debate on RÚV, Sigurður delivered a prepared speech from his smartphone, addressing prevalent misconceptions surrounding foreign affairs in Iceland. He criticized the exaggerated portrayal of immigration as a significant problem, noting that it constitutes merely one percent of national expenditure. Sigurður also expressed regret for past government actions during World War II, when access was denied to Jewish refugees, pointing out that the policy stemmed from his party’s historical figure, Hermann Jónasson.

Ólafur pointed out that Sigurður’s recent statements should mark a new direction for the Progressive Party, as he emphasized his desire to avoid repeating past mistakes. Sigurður indicated that if his focus on immigration issues cost him votes, he would accept that outcome.

Ólafur also suggested that a recent interview might have influenced Sigurður’s approach, highlighting past remarks deemed racist that had adverse effects on individuals, including former director Vigdís Hasler.

Regarding other parties, both the Independence Party and the Center Party appear to be aligning to form a right-leaning coalition. Meanwhile, Svandís Svavarsdóttir of the Left-Green Movement has revisited traditional party values that have not been articulated clearly since the 2017 elections, including criticisms of capitalism and increased attention to environmental matters.