Iceland’s Prime Minister Calls Snap Election Following Coalition Breakdown

Iceland’s Prime Minister, Bjarni Benediktsson, has announced the dissolution of the country’s governing coalition and called for a snap election to be held on November 30. This decision comes amid rising tensions and disagreements among the three parties in the coalition, covering issues from foreign policy to asylum seekers.

In a press conference, Bjarni cited the growing rifts as the primary reason for the coalition’s collapse. He plans to meet with Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir on Monday to discuss the dissolution of parliament.

According to Icelandic law, elections must be held no later than 45 days following the announcement of parliament’s dissolution.

Bjarni, who leads the right-leaning, pro-business Independence Party, took office in April after former Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir announced her resignation to run for president.

The coalition, which also includes the center-right Progressive Party and the Left Greens, has been under strain following recent volcanic eruptions that displaced thousands and intensified existing economic challenges, including high inflation and rising interest rates.