Steps down after leading Grindavík through natural disasters
When the fourth eruption near the town was underway in April — the seventh on the Reykjanes Peninsula since March 2021 — Jónasson said it was hardly possible to get used to such conditions and that serenity was the only thing to hold on to. Composite image.
Fannar Jónasson has announced that he will not seek another term as mayor of Grindavík when his current term ends.
Jónasson revealed his decision in an in-depth interview with Víkurfréttir today. He said that after guiding Grindavík and its residents through turbulent times marked by natural disasters, now, at 68 years old, was the right moment to step aside.
He credited the support of the national government and municipalities across the country — especially Reykjavík — as essential for helping Grindavík weather the storm. He expressed gratitude to ministers and members of parliament for their backing during difficult times.
Fannar became Grindavík’s mayor at the start of 2017, was reappointed in 2018, and had his contract extended without a formal hiring process in 2022. He praised the cooperation with town council members, both in the majority and minority, and thanked the municipality’s staff for their unwavering dedication through challenges and successes.
Ready to assist his successor
Before becoming mayor, Jónasson worked in corporate consulting at Kaupþing bank, later holding management positions at various branches both before and after the financial crash. He has also served as a CFO and operated a business in the service industry.
Although he will step down at the end of the term, Jónasson said he is ready to assist his successor if needed to ensure a smooth transition.
When asked about his plans, he said his hobbies have been on hold in recent years, particularly horseback riding. He now intends to return to those interests and focus on running his family’s farm in Fljótshlíð.
He also mentioned that he may take on a limited amount of office work — but only projects he genuinely enjoys.
