What type of government is in power in Iceland?
Iceland is a parliamentary republic with a president elected by direct vote every four years. Executive power is exercised by the government led by the Prime Minister, who is accountable to Parliament (Althing).
Iceland's Political System
Iceland operates under a parliamentary republic system, where the President of the Republic is the head of state elected by universal direct suffrage for a four-year term, renewable.
The executive power is exercised by the government, led by the Prime Minister who is appointed by the president but must have the confidence of Parliament. The government is responsible to the Althing, the Icelandic Parliament, one of the oldest parliamentary assemblies in the world.
Key Institutions
- The President: head of state with mainly ceremonial powers
- The Prime Minister: head of government, holds executive power
- The Althing: unicameral Parliament of 63 deputies elected for four years
- Political parties: multiparty system with government coalitions
To Remember
Contrary to what the mention of a "presidential system" might suggest, Iceland is indeed a parliamentary republic where the Prime Minister and his government hold the true executive power.