Alexandra Briem Reflects on Dóra Björt Guðjónsdóttir’s Departure from the Pirates
In a surprise move today, Dóra Björt Guðjónsdóttir left the Pirates party to join the Confederation, a shift that new party leader Alexandra Briem acknowledges will leave a significant void. “Obviously, it’s a blow,” Alexandra remarked. “It’s never advantageous for a city governing party to lose a third of its strength.”
Despite her disappointment, Alexandra expressed understanding of Dóra’s decision. “People must follow their convictions and heed their consciences,” she said, extending her best wishes to Dóra and thanking her for their collaboration over the past eight years. “I have enjoyed working with her immensely and hope to maintain that support, but this is certainly not how I envisioned things unfolding.”
With a touch of humor, she acknowledged the timing of the departure, saying, “I’d be lying if I said this was at the top of the Christmas gift list.”
Alexandra’s challenges are compounded as she contemplates her own position within the Pirates. Having lost the chairmanship to Guðrúnar Jón’s Oktavía Hrund, she noted, “My initial focus was solely on the election outcomes. However, I realized I want to remain with the Pirates and dedicate my energy to our work in both the city council and the party.”
Looking ahead, Alexandra aims to run in the next local government elections, whether as a Pirate or in a collaborative candidacy with fellow left-wing parties. There have been whispers of potential alliances between the Left Green Party, the Pirates, and Sanna Magdalena, who announced her candidacy last weekend.
Oktavía Hrund also weighed in on Dóra’s departure via Facebook, acknowledging the difficulty of losing such a prominent party member but wishing her good fortune. She also congratulated Alexandra on assuming her new role.
Exploring Coalition Options
Sanna Magdalena’s recent announcement of a left-wing joint candidacy has stirred discussions within the Pirates about their own involvement. Alexandra clarified, “The only firm decision made is that we have been authorized by a social meeting to formally explore this possibility.” She refrained from naming specific parties, emphasizing the need to assess the available options.
“We must determine if there is a viable basis for collaboration,” she stated. Should negotiations falter, Alexandra assured that the Pirates are prepared to run independently. “I see myself as a candidate. I do not anticipate anything else,” she shared in an interview with Vísir.is, indicating her intention to seek a leadership position, whether within the Pirates or a broader left-wing coalition.
“Pirates embody a unique identity as a liberal democratic reform party. Given the evolving political landscape, both globally and locally, it’s vital for us to fill that gap in the political spectrum,” she concluded.
