Iceland's Latest Prime Minister Is An Environmentalist And Feminist

Something new was on the horizon after the catastrophic disassembling of Iceland’s last government party, in which it was revealed through the Panama Papers that the former prime minister was involved in some shady dealings during the financial crash of 2008. The answer to this call for revolutionary change in party politics – after having three prime ministers in two years – has been found in the new coalition government from across the political spectrum, which is being led by Iceland’s Left-Green party and its leader Katrin Jakobsdottir.

Alþingi (Althingi), Icelandic Parliament, Reykjavik

In November 2017, Jakobsdottir became the new prime minister, although her party didn’t gain the largest share of votes. The government will still be dominated by the long-standing (since the Second World War) center-right Independence Party, who will govern finance, foreign affairs, fishing, and business.

An agriculture-focused populist party, The Progressive Party, will also participate in the new coalition government, taking charge of transport, education, and welfare. While the Left-Green Party will be in charge of the prime minister’s seat, they will also be governing the health and environment ministry. Under this capacity, they have made plans to take actions beyond the Paris accord’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many have expressed their hope and confidence that this new broad-based coalition will promote stability after the many scandals that have erupted in Icelandic politics since the 2008 crash.

Iceland’s revolutionary new take on party politics in the form of a coalition is fittingly led by a new type of leader. Jakobsdottir, a former education minister, has great citations in opinion polls as being well-liked and trusted. As part of her campaign pledges, she vows to restore welfare benefits, make Iceland carbon neutral by 2040, promote gender equality, and make Iceland more open to receiving refugees. Jakobsdottir is Iceland’s second female prime minister after Johanna Sigurdardottir in 2009. Before delving into politics, the new prime minister researched crime novels and worked at the national television station RUV.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.