Forsetinn

Forsetinn refers to the office of the President of Iceland, the head of state. The presidency was established in 1944, when Iceland became a republic and dissolved its personal union with Denmark. The president is elected by direct popular vote for a four-year term and may be re-elected. The role is largely ceremonial in Iceland's parliamentary system, with real political power concentrated in the Althing (parliament) and the prime minister's government. The president's duties include representing Iceland domestically and abroad, receiving foreign dignitaries, presiding over official ceremonies, and performing various constitutional functions such as signing bills into law and conferring honours. In practice, presidents act as nonpartisan figures who uphold the constitution and can serve as a focal point for public unity, crisis mediation, and national symbolism.

Powers are limited and exercised on the advice of the government and parliament in most matters. The president may appoint the prime minister and cabinet after elections and, on occasion, is involved in formal procedures related to legislation. Since the office’s early years it has been held by several notable figures, including Vigdís Finnbogadóttir (1980–1996), the first woman to be elected a national president; Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson (1996–2016), and Guðni Th. Jóhannesson (2016–present). The presidency is a widely respected constitutional office, reflecting Iceland's democratic traditions.