Althing

Althing
Great Brightstar · Public domain · source
Name	Althing
Native name	Alþingi
Legislature	Parliament of Iceland
House type	Unicameral
Foundation	930 AD
Leader1 type	Speaker
Leader1	Birgir Ármannsson
Election1	2021
Members	63
Political groups1	Government (38), Independence Party (17), Progressive Party (13), Left-Green Movement (8), Opposition (25), Social Democratic Alliance (6), People's Party (6), Pirate Party (6), Reform Party (5), Centre Party (2)
Voting system1	Open list proportional representation
Last election1	25 September 2021
Meeting place	Alþingishúsið, Reykjavík
Website	www.althingi.is

Althing. The Althing is the national parliament of Iceland and is recognized as the oldest surviving parliament in the world. Established in 930 AD at Þingvellir, it served as the supreme governing and judicial assembly of the Icelandic Commonwealth for centuries. After a period of suspension, it was restored in 1844 and now functions as a modern unicameral legislature based in Reykjavík.

History

The Althing was founded in 930 AD by the settlers of Icelandic Commonwealth, with its original site at Þingvellir, a location now within Þingvellir National Park. This assembly was a central institution during the Commonwealth period, where the lawspeaker would recite the law and chieftains, or goðar, would settle disputes and make decisions. Key historical events include the adoption of Christianity in Iceland around 1000 AD, a decision famously made by the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði. The end of the Commonwealth came with the Old Covenant and submission to the Norwegian Crown in 1262, after which the Althing's power diminished under Norwegian rule and later Danish rule. It was abolished by royal decree in 1800, replaced by the High Court of Iceland. Following growing independence movements, it was reconvened in 1844 by King Christian VIII, initially as a consultative body. Its legislative authority grew alongside Iceland's autonomy, culminating in the restoration of full sovereignty with the Kingdom of Iceland in 1918 and the establishment of the Republic of Iceland in 1944.

Structure and composition

The modern Althing is a unicameral body composed of 63 members, known as Þingmenn, elected for four-year terms. Elections are conducted using a system of open list proportional representation across six multi-member constituencies. The Speaker of the Althing presides over the chamber's proceedings. Historically bicameral from 1845 to 1991, it now operates with a single chamber, though it can divide into two houses for certain legislative reviews. The current political landscape is defined by a multi-party system, with major parties including the Independence Party, the Progressive Party, and the Left-Green Movement. Other significant groups are the Social Democratic Alliance, the Pirate Party, and the Centre Party.

Powers and functions

As the supreme legislative authority in Iceland, the Althing holds the power to enact, amend, and repeal laws. It exercises significant control over the executive branch, approving the state budget and holding the government accountable through mechanisms like question time and parliamentary committees. The parliament ratifies major international treaties, such as those concerning EEA membership, and plays a key role in the appointment of high state officials, including judges to the Supreme Court of Iceland. It also has the authority to initiate investigations through parliamentary inquiries and can amend the Constitution of Iceland.

Building and location

Since 1881, the Althing has been housed in the Alþingishúsið, a stone building constructed in Reykjavík by the Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl. The building is situated near other important national institutions, including the Reykjavík Cathedral and the offices of the Prime Minister of Iceland. Prior to this, after its restoration, it met in the Cathedral School. The original site at Þingvellir, located in the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, remains a place of profound historical and symbolic importance and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cultural significance

The Althing is a powerful national symbol of Icelandic identity, democracy, and continuity, tracing its origins to the Viking Age and the Norse sagas. Its founding site, Þingvellir, is deeply embedded in the national consciousness and is a central location in texts like Njáls saga. The institution is celebrated annually on Þjóðhátíðardagurinn on June 17, commemorating the establishment of the Republic of Iceland. It features prominently in Icelandic art, literature, and public discourse, representing the enduring legacy of one of the world's oldest parliamentary traditions.

Category:National legislatures Category:Politics of Iceland Category:930 establishments