Elections ’17: The Drama Continues In Iceland As Coalition Talks Split

After four-party coalition talks between the Left-Greens, the Social Democrats, the Progressive Party and the Pirates broke down earlier this week, talk emerged of a possible right-wing coalition instead. However, the Progressives have expressed reservations with this possibility, and now things have taken a turn for the bizarre.

Vísir now reports that the Left-Greens, the Independence Party, and the Progressives are currently meeting to discuss the possibility of starting informal coalition talks. As unlikely as this partnership may seem, it would comprise 35 of Iceland’s 63-seat parliament and, being only three parties, could also prove more stable.

Such a coalition would not go down well with many Left-Green voters, especially as the Independence Party is still under a cloud of scandals. As such, another option may be on the table.

RÚV reports that the Social Democrats, the Pirates and the Reform Party have met to discuss working together. Should those talks bear fruit, Social Democrat chair Logi Einarsson said they will present this possibility to Left-Green chair Katrín Jakobsdóttir, with the inclusion of the Progressive Party, as an alternative to working with the Independence Party. This coalition would have 36 seats, but would also be five parties – potentially less stable than a three-party coalition, but one that would exclude Iceland’s right wing.

What the results of these talks will be may become clearer later today. We will keep you updated.