Parliamentary work in Althingi 1991-2015. Stagnation in changed society

Abstract

This article examines selected aspects of Althingi’s operations over the last 24 years in light of theories on parliamentary affairs, the effect of the Internet on society and changes in Althingi’s internal and external environment. It shows that political struggles are stuck in a definite rut which undermines time management and the government’s agenda power. All main characteristics and measurable quantities of its work altered little. There are also indications that the quality of legislation is deficient. The opposition’s tactics have been to carve a negotiating position for cases with filibuster utilizing the parliament’s low level of organisation of case processing. This seems a cheap and irrelevant solution for an otherwise important matter. Modern demands have become outspoken, calling for careful methods, efficiency and discussion that is objective, concise and comprehensible.