Progressive Party (Iceland)

Progressive Party (Iceland). The Progressive Party is a major centre to centre-right political party in Iceland, founded in Reykjavík in 1916. Historically representing the interests of farmers and rural communities, it has been a frequent participant in coalition governments and has produced several Prime Ministers. The party advocates for agrarian values, economic liberalism, and is known for its strong Eurosceptic stance regarding EU membership.

History

The party was established on 16 December 1916, largely through the efforts of Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, to advance the political and economic interests of the Icelandic cooperative movement and rural populace. It first entered the Alþingi following the 1916 election and formed its first government under Jón Þorláksson in 1927. A defining period was the long leadership of Ólafur Thors, who served multiple terms as Prime Minister during the mid-20th century, including during World War II and the early Cold War. The party was instrumental in founding the Republic of Iceland in 1944 and later championed the extension of Iceland's fisheries limits, a pivotal issue in the Cod Wars with the United Kingdom. After a period of decline, it regained prominence in the 21st century, notably leading the government after the 2008 financial crisis and again following the 2013 election.

Ideology and platform

The party's core ideology is rooted in agrarianism, traditionally defending the interests of farmers and the agricultural sector, but has broadened to include a general populist appeal. Its platform combines economic liberalism, advocating for privatization and tax cuts, with support for a strong welfare state in the Nordic model tradition. A cornerstone of its policy is staunch opposition to Iceland's membership in the European Union, fearing loss of control over vital fisheries resources and national sovereignty. It also emphasizes regional development outside the Capital Region, support for geothermal and hydroelectric energy industries, and socially liberal stances on certain issues.

Electoral performance

The party has consistently been one of the four largest parties in Iceland, typically securing between 20% and 30% of the vote in the mid-20th century. Its strongest support has traditionally come from rural constituencies in the Northwest and Northeast. It achieved its best result in the 1995 election with 23.3% of the vote. A significant resurgence occurred in the 2013 election, where it won 24.4% and 19 seats, becoming the largest party in the Alþingi. Its vote share has fluctuated, dropping sharply after the 2016 election but recovering in the 2021 election to 17.3%. The party's performance is often tied to the popularity of its leader and its stance on issues like EU membership and economic policy.

Leadership

The party has been led by many prominent figures in Icelandic politics. Early leaders included Jón Þorláksson and Tryggvi Þórhallsson. Ólafur Thors led the party for over two decades and served five non-consecutive terms as Prime Minister. Other notable chairmen include Hermann Jónasson, Steingrímur Hermannsson, and Halldór Ásgrímsson, who all served as Prime Minister. In the modern era, Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson led the party to victory in 2013 but resigned as chairman following the Panama Papers revelations in 2016. He was succeeded by Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, and later by current leader Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson's successor, who continues to shape the party's direction.

In government

The party has participated in numerous coalition governments throughout Iceland's political history, often as a junior partner but several times as the leading party. Its first premiership was under Jón Þorláksson in 1927. It provided stability during the wartime and early post-war governments of Ólafur Thors. In 1995, it formed a coalition with the Independence Party under Prime Minister Davíð Oddsson, a partnership that lasted until 2007. After the financial crisis, it entered a coalition with the Social Democratic Alliance in 2009. Its most recent period leading the government began in 2013, when Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson became Prime Minister in a coalition with the Independence Party, focusing on household debt relief and economic recovery. The party returned to government as a junior partner in the coalition led by Katrín Jakobsdóttir following the 2017 and 2021 elections.

Category:Political parties in Iceland Category:Agrarian parties Category:Centre-right parties in Iceland