framkvæmdastjórn

Framkvæmdastjórn is a term used in Icelandic to refer to the executive administration, the part of government or an organization responsible for implementing laws, policies and daily operations. In a political sense, it denotes the executive power, exercised by the government and its ministries, as distinct from the legislative branch (Alþingi) and the judiciary. The word is often encountered in discussions of how policy is turned into practice within the state.

In Icelandic governance, the framkvæmdastjórn typically comprises the government leadership, including the forsætisráðherra (Prime Minister) and ministers, operating within the cabinet. Policy proposals are prepared by ministries and then decided in cabinet meetings. The executive arm is charged with administering public administration, preparing legislation for enactment, and managing public services and state agencies.

Functions commonly associated with the framkvæmdastjórn include implementing laws, drafting and executing budgets, supervising ministries and public institutions, enforcing regulations, and representing the state in various international or intergovernmental settings to the extent prescribed by law.

The term is also used outside government to describe the executive management of organizations, where framkvæmdastjórn refers to the top leadership team—such as the CEO and senior executives—responsible for daily operations and strategy, reporting to a board of directors.

Etymologically, framkvæmdastjórn combines framkvæmd (execution, implementation) and stjórn (governance, administration). Context determines whether it refers to national government or corporate executive management.