Páll Winkel, who has been the director of prisons, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in Iceland. His new position was publicly advertised in November, and six candidates applied for the position, including notable individuals such as Ása Arnfríður Kristjánsdóttir and Dís Sigurgeirsdóttir. The previous secretary, Bryndís Helgadóttir, held the position since Haukur Guðmundsson stepped down in November.

The appointment is made by Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir, the Minister of Justice, upon the completion of the eligibility committee's duties. Páll's contract is for five years, reflecting the government’s commitment to stable leadership within the Ministry. The selection process involved a competitive field, showcasing the diverse talent vying for senior positions in Iceland's justice sector.

Winkel has served as the director of prisons since 2008 and took a temporary leave from his role in September 2024. His extensive experience in this field is expected to bring valuable insights to his new position, which plays a critical role in overseeing the administration of justice in Iceland. This change in leadership could influence future policy directions within the Ministry, particularly regarding incarceration and rehabilitation strategies.