framkvæmdarvald

Framkvæmdarvald, literally “executive power,” refers to the branch of government responsible for day-to-day administration, policy implementation and the running of the state. In Icelandic political discourse it designates the body that carries out laws and governs public affairs, distinct from the legislative and judicial branches.

It is made up largely of the Government—the Prime Minister and the cabinet of ministers—together with the public administration under the various ministries. The cabinet is collectively responsible to Alþingi, Iceland's parliament, and must enjoy its confidence to stay in office. The government proposes legislation, administers public services, and conducts foreign and security policy within the framework set by law.

The President is the head of state and, in practice, exercises a largely ceremonial role. While the presidency may have formal duties such as appointing the Prime Minister in line with parliamentary support and signing laws, real executive authority rests with the government and is subject to parliamentary oversight and the judiciary.

Framkvæmdarvald operates within the constitutional separation of powers. The legislative branch, löggjafarvald, enacts laws, while the judiciary, dómsvaldið, interprets and applies them. The balance is maintained by mechanisms such as parliamentary votes of confidence and constitutional checks.