The Social Democratic Alliance has won Iceland’s snap election, securing 15 seats in the 63-seat parliament with 20.8% of the vote. The election was triggered by the collapse of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson’s Independence Party over disagreements on issues such as immigration, energy policy, and housing.
Key Points
- The party secured 20.8% of the vote and 15 seats in the 63-seat parliament.
- The Independence Party, led by Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson, trailed with 19.4% of the vote.
Election Issues
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Immigration was a top issue for only 32% of respondents in a Gallup poll released in early November.
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Health care, economic issues, and housing were the top concerns for more than 60% of respondents.
Post-Election Developments
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The leader of Iceland’s Social Democrats, Kristrun Frostadottir, will have to start looking for coalition partners after winning the election.
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The Independence Party suffered its worst result ever in the election.
Background and Key Issues
Iceland’s opposition Social Democratic Alliance has won the country’s snap election, securing 15 seats in the 63-seat parliament with 20.8% of the vote.
The election was triggered by the collapse of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson’s Independence Party. The coalition collapsed over disagreements on issues such as immigration, energy policy, and housing.
Election Results
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Social Democratic Alliance: 20.8%, 15 seats
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Independence Party: 19.4%, down from 24.4% in 2021
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Liberal Reform Party: 15.8%
The issues of immigration, energy policy, and the economy played a central role in the campaign.
According to a Gallup poll released in early November, only 32% of respondents listed immigration as a top issue, and only 18% included asylum issues. In contrast, health care, economic issues, and housing were the top concerns for more than 60% of respondents in the North Atlantic island nation.
Next Steps
Background on the Collapse of the Ruling Coalition
The ruling coalition collapsed over disagreements on issues such as immigration and energy policy. The Independence Party’s partners also lost voter support, with the Left-Green Movement receiving only 2.3% of the vote and the Progressive Party receiving only 7.8%.
Gallup Poll Results
Sources
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AP News: “Iceland’s opposition Social Democrats lead in snap election”
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Reuters: “European Union membership resurfaces in Iceland’s election campaign”
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Gallup Poll: “Icelanders’ top concerns”
