Katrín Jakobsdóttir secured 25.1% of the popular vote in the 2024 presidential election after resigning from her role as the Prime Minister of Iceland. Her departure from office in April 2024 concluded a tenure that began in December 2017, marking a shift in the country's executive leadership after more than six years of coalition management.
Academic and Early Career
Born in Reykjavík in 1976, Jakobsdóttir completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Iceland in 1999, focusing on Icelandic and French. She earned a Master of Arts in Icelandic literature from the same institution in 2004, centering her research on the works of Arnaldur Indriðason. Before her parliamentary career, she worked as a language adviser at the public broadcaster RÚV from 1999 to 2003. She also held teaching positions at the University of Iceland, Reykjavík University, and the Mímir School between 2004 and 2007.
Parliamentary and Ministerial Service
Jakobsdóttir became deputy chairperson of the Left-Green Movement in 2003 and served as the party's chairperson from 2013 until 2024. She held a seat in the Althing for the Reykjavík North constituency continuously from 2007 until 2024. Her cabinet experience began when she served as the Minister of Education, Science and Culture, and as the Minister for Nordic Cooperation, holding these portfolios from February 2009 to May 2013.
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Following the 2017 parliamentary election, Jakobsdóttir formed a government on 30 November 2017, comprising a coalition of the Left-Green Movement, the Progressive Party, and the Independence Party. Her administration focused on progressive taxation, social housing investment, and policies aimed at reducing gender pay inequality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her government implemented proactive measures that received positive internal reviews. In October 2023, she participated in a national strike involving women and non-binary individuals to advocate for pay equality and address gender-based violence.
Political Stance and International Engagement
Throughout her career, Jakobsdóttir maintained a consistent position against Icelandic membership in both NATO and the European Union. Despite her personal opposition to NATO, she managed coalition agreements that avoided holding referendums on membership or withdrawing from the alliance. Since leaving her prime ministerial post, she has transitioned into international roles, serving as a senior emissary for the Arctic Circle and acting as the chair of the Polar Dialogue initiative.
Fast facts
- Born: 1976, Reykjavík
- Political Party: Left-Green Movement
- Prime Minister of Iceland: December 2017–April 2024
- Minister of Education, Science and Culture: 2009–2013
- Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders: Named 2020
- 2024 Presidential Election Result: 25.1% of votes
- Education: University of Iceland (BA, 1999; MA, 2004)
Questions readers ask
Did Katrín Jakobsdóttir serve in the Icelandic parliament?
Yes, she was a member of the Althing for the Reykjavík North constituency from 2007 to 2024.
What was her role in the Left-Green Movement?
She was the deputy chairperson starting in 2003 and served as the chairperson from 2013 until 2024.
What is her current international work?
She serves as a senior emissary for the Arctic Circle and is the chair of the Polar Dialogue.
Achievements
- Member of the 2016-2017 Parliament of Iceland (from 2016)
- Member of the 2013-2016 Parliament of Iceland (2013–2016)
- Member of the 2009-2013 Parliament of Iceland (2009–2013)
- Member of the 2007-2009 Parliament of Iceland (2007–2009)
- Educated at University of Iceland and University of Iceland
