Iceland’s government coalition dissolves and prime minister calls elections for November

MADRID 14 Oct. () –

The Prime Minister of Iceland, Bjarni Benediktsson, has announced the dissolution of the government coalition between the left-wing, conservative and liberal parties, which is why he will propose this Monday to the president of the country, Halla Tomasdottir, the dissolution of Parliament and the convening of general elections for November 30.

“After careful consideration, I have announced today that the government coalition between the (conservative) Independence Party, the (liberal) Progressive Party and the Green Left has come to an end,” he announced this Sunday in a statement published on your Facebook social network profile.

Benediktsson, who took the reins of the country in April after Katrin Jakobsdottir announced her resignation from office with a view to standing in the presidential elections, has assured that he is “proud” of his work and the achievements of his Government”, citing the situation economic (“inflation is the lowest in three years and interest rates are falling”)

The Icelandic head of government has also mentioned that “Borders have been greatly strengthened, innovation is booming, there are more opportunities and greater prosperity.” “However, I consider that I would be failing myself, the party and the citizens if I pretended to be able to carry the Government forward when we cannot reach a conclusion on the issues that matter most to the people,” he declared.

“Therefore, I see no other option in the situation than to leave the future to the vote of the voters, where the Independence Party will defend the policy that has brought the most success to Icelandic society over the years. (… ) In the coming weeks, I will submit our work, policy and vision of the future to the voters and I will fight there with all my strength for the good of the country,” he expressed.

As explained in a press conference reported by Icelandic public radio and television RUV, disagreements have increased this fall, especially on issues such as immigration and the environment. Likewise, he has clarified that he will be his party’s candidate in the next elections: “I assume the responsibility of being the leader of the Independence Party, participating in the elections to win them.”