Dagur B. Eggertsson

Dagur B. Eggertsson is an Icelandic physician and politician who served as the Mayor of Reykjavík from 2014 to 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Alliance, he was first elected to the Reykjavík City Council in 2002. His tenure as mayor was marked by significant urban development projects and a focus on sustainability, public transport, and social housing.

Early life and education

Dagur Bergþóruson Eggertsson was born in Reykjavík on 19 June 1972, the son of politician Eggert G. Þorsteinsson and physician Bergþóra Þorvaldsdóttir. He completed his secondary education at Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík. He then pursued medical studies, graduating as a physician from the University of Iceland in 1999. He furthered his medical education with a specialization in public health, earning a master's degree from the University of Copenhagen in 2004. During his studies, he was active in student politics and served as chairman of the Icelandic Medical Students' Association.

Political career

Eggertsson's political career began with his election to the Reykjavík City Council in the 2002 municipal election. He quickly rose within the ranks of the Social Democratic Alliance, serving as the party's vice-chairman from 2005 to 2009. He was a member of the Alþingi (Icelandic parliament) for the Reykjavík Constituency North from 2009 to 2013, where he sat on committees including the Welfare Committee and the Education and Culture Committee. Following the 2008–2011 Icelandic financial crisis, he was a prominent voice on social and economic policy.

Mayor of Reykjavík

Following the 2014 municipal elections, Dagur B. Eggertsson was elected Mayor of Reykjavík, succeeding Jón Gnarr of the Best Party. His administration prioritized urban planning, launching major projects like the redevelopment of the Þingholt neighborhood and the Kringlan area. He championed investments in the Strætó bus system and cycling infrastructure, and oversaw the expansion of geothermal district heating. His tenure also saw a strong emphasis on climate action, with Reykjavík aiming for carbon neutrality before 2040. He was re-elected in 2018 and 2022, serving until 2024 when he was succeeded by Einar Þorsteinsson.

Political positions and views

Eggertsson is identified with the centre-left wing of Icelandic politics, advocating for a strong welfare state, environmental sustainability, and public investment. He has been a vocal supporter of the Paris Agreement and LGBTQ+ rights. On international affairs, he has expressed support for closer ties with the European Union and was critical of the United States administration's policies under Donald Trump. His mayoral policies often focused on reducing social inequality, expanding affordable housing, and promoting Reykjavík as a hub for innovation and culture.

Personal life

Dagur B. Eggertsson is married to actress and former television host Ásta Kristín Benediktsdóttir; the couple has three children. He is the grandson of former Foreign Minister and Prime Minister Eggert Þorsteinsson. Outside politics, he maintains his medical license and has worked periodically at the National University Hospital of Iceland. He is known as an avid fan of the football club KR Reykjavík.

Category:1972 births Category:People from Reykjavík Category:Social Democratic Alliance (Iceland) politicians Category:Mayors of Reykjavík Category:Members of the Althing Category:University of Iceland alumni Category:University of Copenhagen alumni Category:Living people