Icelandic Parliament returns for politically charged session ahead of elections

The Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi, is set to convene on Tuesday after its summer break, with the promise of a politically charged session ahead. Ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for next autumn, opposition party leaders express concerns about ongoing disputes among ruling coalition parties, particularly regarding crucial legislative issues.

Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir, deputy chair of the Social Democratic Alliance, fears that this parliamentary term will mirror the previous one, citing unresolved significant matters such as transportation plans and resource management, including wind energy. She stresses the urgency of holding elections soon for the benefit of the populace.

Hildur Sverrisdóttir, chair of the Independence Party’s parliamentary group, identifies the upcoming budget as the key issue, highlighting its role in curbing inflation and interest rates in collaboration with the central bank. She acknowledges that different opinions within the coalition are natural, especially in an election year.

Several opposition leaders, including Þórhildur Sunna Ævarsdóttir of the Pirate Party, anticipate that the ruling parties will focus on contentious topics while neglecting urgent social issues, such as housing crises and mental health.

Guðmundur Ingi Kristinsson from the People’s Party expresses skepticism about the government’s productivity and unity on legislative matters. He predicts a chaotic environment as pressing issues remain unresolved.

Amid the political tensions, the new Speaker of Parliament, Halla Tómasdóttir, will preside over the session, and Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson will deliver his inaugural address on the following day. Upcoming discussions are expected to include essential proposals, like proposed changes to the EEA agreement. The government’s budget agenda is anticipated to be a focal point of this parliamentary term.