Hliðsjónin

Hliðsjónin, also known as the Icelandic Parliament, is the legislative body of the Republic of Iceland. It is a unicameral parliament consisting of 63 members, known as Alþingismenn, who are elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term. The parliament is located in the Alþingishúsið, or Althing House, in Reykjavik, which is also the seat of the Icelandic government.

The Icelandic Parliament was established in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest continuously operating parliaments in the world. It is based on the Althing, a medieval assembly that was held in Þingvellir, a valley in southwestern Iceland. The Althing House, built in the 19th century, is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Iceland.

The primary functions of the Icelandic Parliament include passing laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the government. The parliament also has the power to impeach the President of Iceland. The Speaker of the Althing is the head of the parliament and is elected by the members of the parliament.

The Icelandic Parliament operates on a consensus-based system, which means that decisions are made through negotiation and agreement among the members. This system has been credited with fostering a high level of political stability and cooperation in Iceland. The parliament is also known for its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, reflecting Iceland's unique geographical and ecological characteristics.