Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, the outgoing deputy leader of Iceland's Left-Green Movement (VG), has declared that he will not run for leadership at the party's upcoming congress scheduled for early March. This decision was communicated through a post on Facebook, marking a significant shift in the party's leadership dynamics. Guðbrandsson has been with VG since 2017, initially serving as the party's spokesperson outside parliament before being elected to parliament in 2021.

The context around his decision reflects broader leadership changes within VG, as the current party leader, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, also announced in December her intention not to seek re-election. This paves the way for a substantial renewal of the party's leadership ahead of the congress, as both prominent figures step down. The moves suggest a potential shift in the party's strategic direction as it prepares for future electoral challenges.

With significant figures in the party choosing not to continue in their roles, it will be crucial for the new leadership to define a clear agenda that resonates with the electorate. The upcoming congress represents an opportunity for the Left-Green Movement to reinvigorate its approach and address past challenges, potentially re-engaging voters in a changing political landscape.