Reykjavík City Council Faces Widespread Dissatisfaction, New Poll Reveals

Public Confidence Wanes for Governing Coalition

A new survey has revealed significant public dissatisfaction with the performance of the Reykjavík City Council's governing coalition. The poll, conducted by Maskína between November 20 and 26, 2025, found that a majority of residents believe the current administration has performed poorly.

According to the survey, 51% of respondents stated that the governing coalition has done a poor job during its current term. In contrast, only 18% rated its performance positively, while 31% described it as average. The poll included 1,034 adult residents of Reykjavík.

Mixed Reviews for Opposition and Declining Mayoral Approval

The public's perception of the opposition parties within the City Council is only marginally better. The poll indicated that 47% of respondents believe the opposition has performed poorly, with 42% rating their work as average, and just 11% viewing it positively.

When residents were asked to identify individual councillors who have performed best, Sanna Magdalena Mörtudóttir, a Socialist Party representative, received the highest support, garnering nearly a quarter of respondents' votes. She was followed by Hildur Björnsdóttir of the Independence Party, with just over 20% support. Other councillors mentioned included Einar Þorsteinsson (Progressive Party) with 9% and Dóra Björt Guðjónsdóttir (Pirate Party) with 8%.

The survey also highlighted growing frustration with Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir, who was elected mayor on February 21, 2025. Half of Reykjavík residents expressed dissatisfaction with her work, with satisfaction levels notably declining in the eastern neighborhoods of the city.

Looking Ahead to Municipal Elections

The Reykjavík City Council, which comprises 23 City Councilors, is the highest decision-making body for the city. These poll results come ahead of the next municipal elections, which are scheduled for May 16, 2026. The current findings suggest a challenging political landscape for the incumbent parties as they approach the upcoming electoral contest.