Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson Takes the Helm as Minister of Social Affairs and Housing
Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson has officially taken over as Minister of Social Affairs and Housing, and he’s wasting no time making clear how seriously he takes the job. “It’s a great honor,” he said — words that felt less like a formality and more like someone who genuinely understands what the role demands.
He was candid about his path to get here. “When I decided to run for office, I certainly didn’t anticipate that we wouldn’t secure a majority, let alone form a government.” Still, he’s not dwelling on that. He sees this moment as a chance to push forward on issues he’s been working on for years.
On the housing front, he expects several construction projects to get moving this year. He also wants to convert vacant government properties into residential housing — a practical step toward easing a shortage that has been squeezing Icelanders for some time.
Addressing the Key Challenges Ahead
Ragnar is picking up where his predecessor, Inga Sæland, left off. A central goal is raising the minimum disposable income for vulnerable groups — including people with disabilities and senior citizens — to 450,000 ISK. Progress, he said, has actually moved faster than expected.
He’s aware not everyone agrees with this direction, but he’s not budging. As he sees it, lifting lower-income households is part of what it means to hold this office. He’s planning to work on two tracks at once: longer-term structural projects and quicker actions to bring some steadiness to the housing market.
A Focus on Employment Challenges
On unemployment, Ragnar confirmed that the insurance benefit period stays at 18 months — down from the previous 30 months. “This will not be altered,” he said, and made clear he’d rather focus energy on what can actually be done to help people find work.
Two groups are particularly on his radar: young people trying to get their footing in the job market, and those over 55 who are finding doors closed to them. “These are much more pressing matters than the duration of benefit periods, which have varied significantly,” he remarked. Recent rises in unemployment figures have caught his attention, and he’s committed to looking closely at what’s driving them.
Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson comes into the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing with a clear sense of what needs doing — continuing the work already underway while staying responsive to the people who need it most.
For a more in-depth look, you can watch the full segment of Silfrið below.
