Police Chief Úlfar Lúðvíksson resigns after surprise meeting with Justice Minister

Úlfar Lúðvíksson, former chief of police in Suðurnes, has resigned from his position following a meeting with the Minister of Justice, Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday.

In an interview with mbl.is , Lúðvíksson confirmed that during the meeting, he was informed that his position would be advertised ahead of the end of his current term on November 16. In response, he immediately requested to step down.

“When that became clear, I asked to be dismissed immediately,” said Lúðvíksson, who added that the decision came as a complete surprise.

When asked if there had been any reconciliation during the meeting, he responded:
“I think my decision speaks for itself.”

Lúðvíksson also stated that he does not intend to work for the Icelandic police again.

Political reaction and allegations

Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, leader of the Central Party, reacted strongly to the resignation, claiming it was politically motivated.

“This is bad news,” Gunnlaugsson wrote in a Facebook post, suggesting the resignation was the result of Lúðvíksson’s outspoken stance on immigration and organized crime.

“There had been talk within the government that this might happen,” he said.
“The reason was said to be that Úlfar Lúðvíksson had spoken too frankly about immigration and organized crime, and had taken action to protect the borders himself.”

Gunnlaugsson claims that, although Lúðvíksson’s actions were necessary and within his authority, his independence and initiative made him a target.

Concerns about government priorities

Gunnlaugsson further argued that the resignation sends a troubling message to the police force:

“Lúðvíksson’s dismissal signals that the government is more focused on concealing problems than solving them.”

Interim appointment

In the wake of Lúðvíksson’s resignation, Margrét Kristín Pálsdóttir, Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Capital Region, has been appointed as acting Police Commissioner in Suðurnes.