Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, the chairman of the Progress Party in Iceland, gave his farewell address at the party's 38th congress, addressing the rise of populism and extremism as central themes. His tenure spans a decade, during which he highlighted the successes of Iceland's governance, particularly pointing out that the nation once ranked first in the United Nations' quality of life index. He emphasized that such achievements are a result of balance in employment, stability, and welfare efforts.

In his speech, Jóhannsson reflected on the political challenges faced by the Progress Party, noting that the current political landscape requires them to tackle misinformation and respond to the narratives put forth by populist movements. He recognized the need for resilience in political discourse, implying that inaction could lead to more substantial electoral setbacks.

The party is currently in the midst of a leadership contest, with Lilja Alfreðsdóttir and Ingibjörg Isaksen vying to succeed Jóhannsson. As the Progress Party prepares for this transition, the focus on addressing the rise of populism will be vital in shaping their strategy and future direction in Iceland's political arena.