Iceland votes for new government after a year of scandals
- 7 years ago
People in Iceland have been voting in a general election called after the government collapsed over a series of scandals.
It’s the second snap election within a year and comes amid deep voter distrust although Iceland has reversed its economic fortunes and is now enjoying a tourism-based boom.
The row which led to the ruling coalition’s demise surrounded a letter written by the father of Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson in which he said a paedophile should have his “honour restored.”
Last year, the previous prime minister, Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson, was forced to step down after he was implicated in an offshore tax-haven scheme.
That gave a boost to the anti-establishment Pirate Party but its support has since waned.
As a result, it’s thought the outcome of this election could lead to a spell in the political wilderness for the long dominant pro-business, Independence Party which has been part of every government since 1980.
That may leave the centre-left, Left-Green Movement in the driving seat with its leader Katrin Jakobsdottir poised to take over power.
Known for her even temper, Jakobsdottir quickly became a popular figure in Iceland after being elected to parliament in 2007, and is one of the few high-profile politicians who have
avoided scandal.
It’s the second snap election within a year and comes amid deep voter distrust although Iceland has reversed its economic fortunes and is now enjoying a tourism-based boom.
The row which led to the ruling coalition’s demise surrounded a letter written by the father of Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson in which he said a paedophile should have his “honour restored.”
Last year, the previous prime minister, Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson, was forced to step down after he was implicated in an offshore tax-haven scheme.
That gave a boost to the anti-establishment Pirate Party but its support has since waned.
As a result, it’s thought the outcome of this election could lead to a spell in the political wilderness for the long dominant pro-business, Independence Party which has been part of every government since 1980.
That may leave the centre-left, Left-Green Movement in the driving seat with its leader Katrin Jakobsdottir poised to take over power.
Known for her even temper, Jakobsdottir quickly became a popular figure in Iceland after being elected to parliament in 2007, and is one of the few high-profile politicians who have
avoided scandal.