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Conservatism inIceland has been the dominant ideology of the country's politics since the 20th century, notably under theIndependence Party which has dominated Icelandic politics since its inception in 1929. Today it is primarily represented by three parties, namely theliberal conservative Independence Party, theagrarian liberal conservativeProgressive Party and the conservative agrarianCentre Party.[1]
The origins of Icelandic conservatism can be traced to the 19th century during Iceland's struggle for increased autonomy from theKingdom of Denmark. Early conservative thought was tied to the Icelandic elite, clergy, and educated classes who supported gradual reform andconstitutional monarchy rather than radical republicanism. Conservative Icelanders were often aligned with Danish authorities, favoring stability and preserving Icelandic cultural and religious traditions, especially through the Lutheran Church and rural community life.
During this time, nationalist conservatism emerged as a dominant ideology among many Icelanders seeking greater autonomy while maintaining traditional institutions. The rise of Icelandic romantic nationalism, inspired byromantic nationalist ideas fromcontinental Europe, and exemplified by figures such asJón Sigurðsson, mixed liberal and conservative values in advocating for independence through legal and peaceful means.[2]
In the early 20th century, as Iceland gainedhome rule (1904) and later sovereignty (1918), conservative politics became more organized. TheHome Rule Party was founded in 1909, followed by theConservative Party in 1924, both advocating apragmatic and gradual approach to independence. In 1929, the Conservative Party merged with theLiberal Party to form theIndependence Party.[3]
After theIndependence Party was formed, it quickly became the largest party, averaging around 40% of the vote share and consistently winning the popular vote from1930 until2009. They combined liberalism and conservatism, supportednationalization of infrastructure, and advocatedclass collaboration. While mostly in opposition during the 1930s, they embraced economic liberalism, but accepted thewelfare state after the war and participated in governments supportive of state intervention andprotectionism.
Unlike conservative parties in other Nordic countries, the IcelandicIndependence Party has long maintained significant support amongworking-class voters, which contributed to its dominance throughout the 20th century. It regularly received between 35–45% of the vote and held leading roles in many coalition governments.
While maintaining a commitment tofree-market principles, the party also adapted to theNordic model, acceptingpublic healthcare, education, and various welfare programs. Thispragmatic conservatism allowed it to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters across class lines.[4]
The2008 Icelandic financial crisis marked a turning point for theIndependence Party. The collapse of Iceland's major banks led to a public backlash against the political establishment, and the party—having been in power before the crisis—was seen by many as complicit in thederegulation that preceded the collapse. In the2009 parliamentary elections, the party received just 23.7% of the vote, its worst result since its founding at the time.
In 2016, a wing of the Independence Party that supported EU membership broke off from the party to form theLiberal Reform Party (Viðreisn).[5] And in 2017, leadership disputes within the Progressive Party betweenSigurður Ingi andSigmundur Davíð led supporters of Sigmundur to form theCentre Party.
Since then, support has fluctuated between 20–25%, though the party remains a central actor in Icelandic politics. It returned to government in2013 with the Progressive party and has been part of coalition governments with theLeft-Greens. In the2024 parliamentary elections they received just 19.4% of the vote.[6] The party continues to advocate economic liberalism, lower taxes, and national sovereignty, particularly regarding Iceland's relationship with the European Union, although there is internal debate on the EU question.[7]
Icelandic conservatism is characterized by a blend ofeconomic liberalism, strongnational sovereignty, andpragmatic governance.
At the heart of Icelandic conservative ideology is support for free-market principles. Icelandic conservatives advocate for lower taxes,deregulation, and fostering private enterprise as essential foreconomic growth. There is a strong belief in individual responsibility and the importance of economic freedom in drivinginnovation and prosperity.
While supporting a market-driven economy, Icelandic conservatives also accept elements of theNordic welfare model. They generally backpublic healthcare,education, andsocial welfare systems, seeing them as compatible with a thriving economy.
Socially, Icelandic conservatives tend to hold liberal views on many issues, including onabortion andLGBT rights. However, they are generally supportive of maintaining theChurch of Iceland as thenational church, which remains a topic of ongoing debate in the country.
Conservatives are generally cautious aboutIceland's relationship with the European Union, with many emphasising the need to protect Iceland's autonomy in areas such as fisheries, trade, immigration, and foreign policy. While opinions vary on potential EU membership, the consensus has been opposing it.[8]
