Social Democrats Win Snap Election in Iceland

In the recent snap parliamentary elections in Iceland held on December 1, 2024, the Social Democratic Alliance emerged victorious, securing approximately 21% of the votes and 15 out of 63 seats in the Althingi, effectively doubling their previous count. This election reflects significant public dissatisfaction with the incumbent coalition government, primarily due to issues surrounding immigration, energy policy, and economic management, leading to the collapse of Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson's coalition. The Independence Party, which previously held power, garnered only about 19.4% of the votes, while the centrist Liberal Reform Party obtained roughly 16%. High voter turnout of around 80% demonstrated strong engagement, despite delays in vote counting due to severe weather conditions. The election marks a notable shift in Iceland's political landscape as voters express a desire for change, particularly after a decade of coalition governance since the 2008 financial crisis. Meanwhile, the Left-Green Movement failed to secure any seats, reflecting a broader trend of electoral punishment for incumbents amidst rising living costs and immigration concerns.