As expected, the Social Democratic Alliance/Left-Green Movement coalition that was formed in February has been renewed following the election last month. Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir remains as prime minister.

The most contentious issue was whether or not Iceland should apply for EU membership. Broadly, the Social Democratic Alliance are in favour and the Left-Greens are opposed. Iceland Review reports that the “government agreement states that each coalition party has the right to retain their views during discussions surrounding the EU debate, within and outside parliament”. The parties have also agreed that if negotiations are opened and if terms are agreed, then a single referendum will be held to decide whether Iceland joins the EU.

Iceland Review confirms that among the government’s commitments is the election of a “special constitutional congress” that will be elected at the same time as the upcoming local government elections. It is unclear what issues the convention will address and whether they will be broader than the ones identified prior to the election. (See a previous post).