Heimssýn splits in Iceland as new anti‑EU alliance Áfram Ísland emerges

Internal tensions have caused the Icelandic Eurosceptic organisation Heimssýn to fracture. Critics, led by journalist Ólafur Arnarson, say the group is divided and ineffective. A new coalition called Áfram Ísland was officially founded, positioning itself as a constructive alternative to Heimssýn’s hard‑line stance.

Prominent figures slated to appear at the launch include former president Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, former Independence Party MP Sigurður Kára Kristjánsson, and former dairy co‑op executive Erna Bjarnadóttir. The alliance urges a positive, fact‑based campaign ahead of the national referendum on EU membership scheduled for 29 August, warning that a “yes” vote could compromise Iceland’s sovereignty. The split highlights growing debate within the anti‑EU camp as the country prepares for the upcoming vote.