Ríkjasamsteypna

Ríkjasamsteypna refers to a coalition government formed by two or more political parties in Iceland. This type of government is common in Iceland's multi-party parliamentary system, where no single party typically secures a majority of seats in the Althing, the Icelandic parliament. Forming a coalition is often necessary to achieve a stable majority and allow for the passage of legislation.

The process of forming a ríkjasamsteypna usually begins after an election. The President of Iceland, based on the election results, invites the leader of a party perceived to have the best chance of forming a government to lead exploratory talks. These talks involve negotiating policy platforms, ministerial portfolios, and the overall direction of the government. The success of these negotiations determines whether a coalition can be established.

The composition and duration of a ríkjasamsteypna can vary significantly. Coalitions can be short-lived due to disagreements among partner parties on key issues, or they can endure for a full parliamentary term. The specific parties involved in a coalition are often influenced by their political ideologies, electoral performance, and the prevailing political climate. These governments aim to represent a broader spectrum of the electorate than a single-party government would.