Minnihlutastjórnir

Minnihlutastjórnir refers to a type of government in Iceland where a coalition of political parties governs with fewer than half of the seats in the Althing, the Icelandic parliament. This necessitates the formation of a minority government, which must then seek support from other parties in parliament to pass legislation and maintain its authority. Minority governments are not uncommon in Iceland's parliamentary history.

The formation of a minnihlutastjórn typically arises when no single party or a simple majority coalition can secure enough seats to form a government outright. This can happen due to a fragmented political landscape or a close distribution of seats among several parties. The government's ability to function relies heavily on negotiation and compromise with non-governing parties. This often involves securing ad-hoc agreements or formal cooperation pacts on specific policy issues.

The challenges for a minnihlutastjórn include instability, as its survival can be precarious. It can be vulnerable to votes of no confidence or the withdrawal of support from previously allied parties. However, proponents argue that such governments can foster broader consensus and encourage more inclusive policymaking, as the government is compelled to engage with a wider range of parliamentary viewpoints. The Icelandic constitution does not explicitly regulate minority governments, but their existence is a recognized feature of the country's political system.