Constitutional Law at Iceland
KRIA Icelandic Constitution Archives on ... Iceland's constitutional framework is primarily governed by the Constitution of the Republic of Iceland, which was adopted on June 17, 1944, coinciding with the country's declaration of independence from Denmark. This foundational document has undergone several amendments, with the most recent being Act No. 91/2013, which entered into force on July 18, 2013. The constitution is available in both Icelandic and English versions. (Constitution of the Republic of Iceland, Iceland, WIPO Lex)
🇮🇸 Constitutional Structure
1. Legislative Power
The Althing, Iceland's parliament, exercises legislative power, with the President of Iceland providing formal consent to parliamentary bills.
The Althing consists of 63 elected members serving in a unicameral legislature.
Parliamentary elections are held at least every four years, with the next scheduled for May 2007.
Proposed legislation undergoes three readings in the Althing before becoming law. (Icelandic Law | Icelandic Human Rights Centre)
2. Executive Power
Executive authority is vested in the President and other governmental authorities.
The President's role is largely ceremonial, with real executive power exercised by ministers appointed by the President.
Ministers must sign an oath to the Constitution when assuming office.
The President may appoint and dismiss ministers, who are responsible for the administration of government affairs. (Icelandic Law | Icelandic Human Rights Centre, Iceland 2011 Constitution - Constitute)
3. Judicial Power
The judiciary is independent, with judges appointed by the President.
The organization of the judiciary is established by law.
Judges settle disputes regarding the competence of authorities, ensuring the rule of law is upheld. (Icelandic Law | Icelandic Human Rights Centre, Iceland 1944 (rev. 2013) Constitution - Constitute)
🗳️ Constitutional Reform Efforts (2010–2013)
In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, Iceland embarked on a process to revise its constitution. Between 2010 and 2013, a Constitutional Assembly was formed, incorporating public input through online platforms and consultations. The Assembly's draft, completed in July 2011, proposed significant reforms, including: (The Constitutional Council (2011) – stjórnarskra.hi.is)
Implementing a "one person, one vote" system to ensure equal representation.
Introducing a three-term limit for the President.
Allowing 15% of voters to propose bills or call for referendums.
Declaring Iceland's natural resources as public property.
Restricting the government to ten ministers and barring ministers from being members of parliament simultaneously. (The Constitutional Council (2011) – stjórnarskra.hi.is, Icelandic Constitutional Assembly 2011 – Participedia)
A non-binding referendum held on October 20, 2012, showed that 64.2% of voters supported the proposed changes. However, as of 2024, these reforms have not been implemented, and the existing constitution remains in effect. (Constitution of Iceland)
📘 Accessing the Constitution
The full text of the Constitution of the Republic of Iceland is available at the Constitute Project. This resource provides the constitution in English, along with comparative analyses and historical context. (Iceland 1944 (rev. 2013) Constitution - Constitute)
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