Reykjavík City Council Elections 2026

We are Reykjavík

Every resident of Reykjavík should be able to have a home, have equal opportunities and feel comfortable. That takes social solutions across every area of Reykjavík: housing, infrastructure, services and education for all. That's our goal. If you have lived in Reykjavík for 3 years, you have the right to vote!

Vinstrið

Reykjavík for all of us.

We are Vinstríð (The Left), a left-wing alliance standing in the 2026 Reykjavík City Council elections. We believe in equality, democracy and a city where everyone, regardless of background, income or origin, should live well with equal opportunities. Here are our policy priorities.

Reykjavík for Everyone

Reykjavík should be a city of peace and human rights. All decisions about the future of Reykjavík must be grounded in democracy, equality, sustainability and social justice with the wellbeing and safety of residents at the forefront.

  • Building a city and community for all of us is Vinstrið's top priority.
  • People in Reykjavík should be able to make a home and feel well. That requires social solutions across all areas of the city that benefit everyone — whether it's housing and infrastructure, services for residents, or children's education.
  • Through social solutions we create a community that takes care of all of us.
  • It should be good to live in Reykjavík, regardless of status, gender, economic status or background.

Home and housing

Housing should be a home, built for people not investors. Homes are not for speculation!

  • The City of Reykjavík must significantly increase housing supply so that people can own or rent a home for the long term, with genuine housing security as the guiding principle.
  • The city should prioritise plots for non-profit development and encourage the sensible renewal or reuse of existing buildings.
  • Housing should be safe and designed so that people feel well in it. Light quality, acoustics, accessibility and universal design should not be privileges but an unconditional part of design and planning.
  • All residents should have access to green spaces close to them, in every neighbourhood, designed and maintained for their benefit.
  • Homes are a human right, not a market commodity!

Transport

Public transport is a quality-of-life issue. Good transport flow is an environmental issue. Getting around the city should be easy and convenient. Vinstrið wants Reykjavík residents to have a real choice in how they travel.

  • Walking routes and pavements should be safe. Public transport should be efficient, reliable and comfortable.
  • Reykjavík residents should be able to rely on a strong Strætó bus network while awaiting the City Line (Borgarlína). We will improve routes within and between neighbourhoods and make public transport a real option right now.
  • Increased bus frequency and free travel for primary school children sets the tone for the future.
  • Good public transport eases traffic congestion, reduces pollution and improves both air quality and quality of life.
  • We support the City Line (Borgarlína).

Education and Equality

The education system is one of the most important equalising systems in society. Let us remove financial barriers for all children.

  • We will cover the cost of children's participation in school trips and events to ensure no child is excluded due to poverty.
  • We will ensure continued free school meals in primary schools and improve their quality — and extend free meals to preschools too.
  • We support the education system by increasing preschool places and staffing, and improving working conditions for all who work there.
  • We will find new ways to ensure equal access to interpreters, developmental therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and other specialists in primary schools.

Culture and Quality of Life

We will nurture what is good and beautiful in Reykjavík. The capital should have a vibrant and enjoyable life, both indoors and outdoors.

  • In a rapidly growing city, beautiful public spaces that attract people and nature need careful attention.
  • Reykjavík should be a living city with easy access to culture, public spaces and the arts for everyone. Supporting artists and diverse cultural life improves quality of life.
  • We want a thriving cultural and music scene and will do even more to support diverse groups of artists.
  • We support artists through improvement funds and rental support for studios and art spaces.

Social Life and Welfare

We will reduce loneliness and social isolation. We will strengthen community centres and leisure activities for children and young people. We will ensure the elderly receive appropriate services and strong social activities.

  • We will ensure the safety of marginalised groups and work according to harm reduction principles.
  • We stand up for human rights and work actively against setbacks in equality and human rights.
  • We will create a community that truly lives up to being multicultural — welcoming new people and purposefully supporting new residents of Reykjavík.
  • We fight against poverty and ensure that financial assistance is a real safety net sufficient for a dignified life.

Nature Conservation in Reykjavík

Nature is essential for all of us. We will protect precious natural areas within the city and designate more protected areas.

  • The natural resources that surround us — such as water — are the foundation of a healthy community. We must safeguard healthy water through increased water protection.
  • We fund measures to protect biodiversity in Reykjavík and allow the wild to grow in the urban landscape.

Reykjavík as an Employer

The City of Reykjavík is a major employer. The city must look after the interests of its employees and ensure all staff have decent pay, working conditions and welfare.

  • We want to strengthen cooperation with the trade union movement to ensure workers' rights are at the forefront and that the City of Reykjavík is a model employer.
  • The City of Reykjavík should not outsource projects or jobs that increase inequality. By keeping key projects in the city's own operations, we can ensure better pay, job security and improved quality.
  • Outsourcing must be reversed. The city must take responsibility for its own services and the people who work for it.