ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the struggle between the social movement arguing for a revision of the constitution and the more traditional elites who, for different reasons, opposed it. It discusses the constitutional revision process that started in 2010, analysing, among others, the early protests and formation of social movements around constitutional change, the revision process itself and the set-up of the Constitutional Council, and the subsequent developments in the revision process that led to its stalling. The chapter also discusses the developments of the ongoing 'constitutional saga' including the role of the Panama Papers and the October 2016 elections. It expresses that important elements that explain the deadlock of the constitutional revision process are the alienation between the Constitutional Council and politicians as well as the diminishing enthusiasm amongst citizens. In Iceland, the public prioritised financial issues such as debt relief and housing over changes to the constitution.
