A few hundred people visited Reykjavík City Hall yesterday afternoon to participate in a brainstorming convention organized by city authorities where citizens were encouraged to put forth their ideas for a better city. Posts Tagged ‘Citizens’
Hundreds Join Reykjavík City’s Brainstorming
Monday, October 26th, 2009A few hundred people visited Reykjavík City Hall yesterday afternoon to participate in a brainstorming convention organized by city authorities where citizens were encouraged to put forth their ideas for a better city. Almost 7,000 People Have Left Iceland in 2009
Friday, October 16th, 2009
During the first nine months of this year 6,762 people emigrated from Iceland, approximately half of whom, 3,475 people, are Icelandic citizens, according to information from Creditinfo. Thanks A Bucket – But Stiglitz Wants IMF Out Of Iceland
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009Although I appreciate the brilliant contribution Joseph Stiglitz has made to economics, I still find it cringeworthy whenever I hear someone thank the flexible Icelandic currency for things “being better than they could have been”.
It is sort of like thanking the arsonist for bringing a bucket of water to the fire he started himself.
Stiglitz, speaking in Copenhagen is still vary of the IMF’s involvement in Iceland. Its plans are likely to lead to increased unemployment. “The fund’s fuse is short, which means that if states don’t do what it proposes, then it will delay its actions. It is a negative signal and that is why many are now considering whether Icelanders should thank the IMF for stepping in one year ago and tell it that there is a balance in the system, there is no emergency situation and as a democratic state we need the citizens to get together and discuss further action. There are many things at stake but full employment is the most important.”
Stiglitz says that the huge budget cuts demanded by the IMF would lead to higher unemployment in Iceland. “They say that the cost of obtaining trust is to have large reserves, the cost of the reserves are high interest rates. The cost is equivalent to the budget cuts in health or education and Icelanders should ask themselves whether it is worth it.”
Army of Iceland on Facebook
Saturday, September 12th, 2009
More than 150,000 Icelanders are logging in to the popular social networking website Facebook, according to the market research company Buzzpoint.
With exactly 46.89 percent of Icelanders owning a Facebook account, the country now holds claim to a new world record in Facebook activity. Norway ranks not far behind in second place with exactly 40 percent of the population registered on Facebook.
According to similar research, Facebook has over 250 million users worldwide despite being blocked intermittently in several countries including Syria and China. Only three countries in the world have a larger population than the total amount of registered Facebook users: China, India and the USA.
The USA does however claim the highest number of registered Facebook users, with 70 million citizens logging in on a daily basis. However, due to Iceland´s per capita ratio the country still holds the world record.
More than 1,000 Icelanders Move Back Home
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009Since the economic crisis hit Iceland last fall, mass emigration has often been reported on in the local media. However, during the first half of 2009, 1,131 Icelandic citizens moved to Iceland from foreign countries—a similar number as the year prior. Icelandic Parliament says yes to Icesave deal
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
49 MPs said yes to the changed version of the Icesave deal, passing it through Parliament at around 23.00 last night. This disputed matter has shaken the nation over the last months due to the financial hold it would have on the country. The changes made to the original deal gained the support of 49 of 63 MPs and was passed after the second round of discussions last night.
The yes votes came from the Left-Green Movement, the Social Democratic Alliance and the Independence Party. There was a split within the Citizens’ Movement and all of the Progressive Party voted against the deal. The current government in Iceland is formed by the Left-Green Movement and the Social Democratic Alliance.
The Future
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009A conversation this weekend offered an insight into the life Iceland has to offer its citizens.
A woman in her forties said she and her husband were considering leaving the country.
“We’ve raised four kids, and it’s often been an almighty struggle”, she said. “We’ve always been working from dusk to dawn. Now finally when we were getting a bit more comfortable, we feel like we have to start over again”. Loss of savings, decreased wages, less purchasing power, rising mortgage and a car bought with a currency loan all contribute to the sinking feeling.
When the government has a weapon of mass destruction like the ISK, it is no wonder people are wary of the prospects.
Iceland Approves EU Talks
Friday, July 17th, 2009So Althingi did the only right thing and approved EU talks. I predicted a few days after the economic crash in October that this would mean that Iceland would be a EU member by 2012. I stand by that prediction.
Despite the fear-mongers and special-interest groups within the Progressive Party, Left Greens and the Independence Party rejecting the proposal. But then again, they know who is paying for their seat and it isn’t the people of Iceland.
The Citizens’ Movement seems to be having difficulties in deciding who they are supposed to represent.
Meanwhile, I unfortunately cannot comment too regularly for a few days because of a hectic work schedule.
I will check back soon with a reaction.
Swamp Soccer on the Canon homepage
Friday, July 10th, 2009
A great number of foreigners have been taking interest in an Icelandic sport of Swamp Soccer or Swampball, better known as Mýrarbolti. A Czech photographer, David Bernard, visited the event in Iceland and has taken photos of this traditional sport being played. His photo album was posted on the Canon website.Many tourists that are traveling around Iceland often ask and try to find out how they can take part in this competition. The sport is basically like football only played in piles of mud. This sport is definitley not a clean one. It is also often played at the Verslunmannahelgi event (Labour Weekend) in Vestmannaeyjar the first weekend in August.
A website can be found in English that foreigners use to learn more about how they can participate in the event during their travels in Iceland. This website can be found here. You can find David’s Canon photoshow of Swamp Soccer in Iceland here.
Even during difficult times and economic crisis, events still go on in Iceland leaving the citizens to appreciate life and culture and carrying on fun and exciting (and of course muddy) traditions.
(Photo/bb.is)
Iceland Icesave deal: “there is no Plan B”
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Johanna Sigurdardottir, Iceland’s Prime Minister said at a press conference yesterday that it has barely occurred to her that parliament might vote against accepting the deal on Icesave repayment agreed with the Netherlands and the UK. Opposition MPs said meanwhile, that the declassification of confidential documents has done nothing to change their opinion.
Yesterday’s press conference was held by the Prime Minister along with Finance Minister Steingrimur J. Sigfusson and Gylfi Magnusson, the Minister for Business Affairs. The ministers used the opportunity to reveal that 68 confidential documents were being made public and a further 24 were being made available only to MPs, Frettabladid reports.
Sigurdardottir said that Iceland has only one chance to clear up the Icesave issue finally. Sigfusson added that he would be extremely worried in the event the deal was voted down in parliament. “It is not at all certain that people would be willing to start again at the beginning,” he said.
The business minister said that it is “absurd” to assume that the nation could simply refuse to live up to its responsibility with regard to Icesave.
The leader of the Independence Party, Bjarni Benediktsson said that the bill is an attempt by the government to rationalise the unsatisfactory contract result from intergovernmental negotiations, as well as being an attempt to shirk responsibility. He said the loan agreement reads more like a typical loan and not one made between nations.
Birgitta Jonsdottir from the Citizens’ Movement said that her opposition to the bill has only hardened and that the best option would be to renegotiate the loan agreement with the Netherlands and the UK.
“It is just unacceptable and very dangerous for the state to take on this sort of debt responsibility,” said Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, head of the Progressive Party.
The bill was presented to the parliamentary groups of the two coalition parties over the weekend where a few changes were made before it went to Cabinet on Monday. The bill will be discussed in open parliament tomorrow.
The Prime Minister said she believes no ‘Plan B’ is necessary because the bill will surely not fail in parliament.
Vast Unemployment among Foreigners in Iceland
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
It is estimated that 22 percent of all foreign citizens on the Icelandic labor market are currently without a job—a significantly higher percentage than among Icelandic nationals, which is around eight percent—according to a new report on unemployment. EU vote could distract from Danish royal referendum
Friday, June 5th, 2009
Although a majority of Danes appear to be in favour of changing the law of royal succession, a scheduling conflict could distract many citizens from casting their vote in this important referendum. The problem is the referendum is set for 7 June, the same day when European Parliamentary elections take place.
Election analysts are already concerned over a predicted paltry 40.2 percent turnout for the 7 June EU vote. If less than 40 percent of Danes fail to vote for the referendum, which falls on the same day, it will fail to pass because it involves changing the constitution, according to the Copenhagen Post.
At stake is a radical change to the Danish constitution that will give the right of royal succession to the monarch’s first-born child, regardless of its gender. Presently, it must pass to the first-born son. If less than 40 percent of voters turn out, the constitution cannot be altered.
Soren Risbjerg Thomsen, a professor and election researcher, is concerned that “There has been a decreasing voting tendency to the most recent European parliamentary elections, and EU citizens from other countries can also vote in Denmark. [But] since those people can’t vote on the referendum, it means the number of Danes voting is likely lower than that 40.2 percent.”
To help encourage Danes to get out and vote on the referendum, which an estimated 84 percent of Danes say they support, the office of the Prime Minister has launched a campaign on the Internet and in printed matter voicing its enthusiasm for the measure.
Half of Swedes won’t vote in Euro elections
Monday, April 27th, 2009
In a recent poll, more than half of Swedes claim they will not vote in the upcoming elections for the European Parliament. The numbers were fairly equally divided, with 48 percent saying they would vote and 52 percent saying they would not; it shows that Swedes are not particularly interested in the makeup of the next EU parliament.
Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio added that 64 percent of the respondents say they have little or no interest in the elections, which are scheduled for 7 June. The last EU parliament elections in 2004 saw a meagre 37.8 percent turnout from Swedish voters.
This is far below the figures for normal Swedish national elections, which tend to be around 80 percent. Henrik Oscarsson, an election researcher at Gothenburg University, told Sveriges Radio he thinks Swedes will remain indifferent throughout the run-up to the June vote.
“There’s not going to be any major increase if you look at these numbers, turnout is going to be around 40 percent but let’s hope it’s a little higher than that, Oscarsson said, adding that low voter turnout “hurts the European parliament’s political legitimacy.”
Sweden has been a member of the European Union since 1995; it is therefore considered somewhat surprising by many that its citizens have such little interest in the politics of the governing body.
Over 80 percent counted, lefts in the lead
Sunday, April 26th, 2009
The Icelandic Independence Party resurgence continues, but the left-wing parties’ predicted dominance in today’s elections seems set in stone.
The Independence Party are on course for 16 of Althingi’s 63 seats, but the Social Democrats are in line for 20 and their coalition partners the Left Greens look set to take 14, meaning a likely continuation of the current coalition.
The Progressive Party looks is in line to have nine MPs in parliament and the new Citizens’ Movement four.
The Liberal Party and the new Democracy Movement seem unlikely to get any parliamentary representation.
Independence Party clawing back
Sunday, April 26th, 2009Iceland’s left wing parties are holding their advantage in the country’s parliamentary elections, but the Independence Party are resurgent. At 03.00 63 percent of the votes have been reported and the Social Democrats are on course for 20 MPs, the Independence Party for 15, the Left Greens for 14, the Progressives are on course for nine MPs and the Citizens’ Movement for five.
Icelandic left continues march to power
Sunday, April 26th, 2009
Though the wireless internet connection at the Left Green Movement election party was down, the party mood was certainly up.
And here at the Social Democrats’ party the mood is similar - and understandably so.
Making good on their opinion poll position, the left wing of Icelandic politics seems likely to achieve the significant victory predicted.
With 56 percent of the nation’s votes counted, the Social Democrats are still in the lead, with their coalition partners the Left Greens in second place. 31 percent for the SD and 21 percent for the Greens, as it stands.
The new Citizens’ Movement looks set to gain five MPs, “the cheapest five seats in Icelandic history”, according to a party spokesman (referring to the low-budget election campaign the party ran).
Bjarni Benediktsson, the leader of the Independence Party, told his party that they should look to the future with a bright smile and hope that the nation will find its way back to them following the hostile environment they are currently facing. The Independence Party is still in third place and will remain a strong political force.
Left parties having good evening in Iceland elections
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
So far, with around 25 percent of votes counted, Iceland’s Social Democrats are appearing as clear winners and appear to be exceeding opinion poll expectations. The Left Green Movement is running in second place, albeit with fewer votes than polls had predicted.
Together the two parties have a 52 or 53 percent parliamentary majority.
The conservative Independence Party are having a poor evening, as the polls foretold. The Independence Party leader predicts, however, that tonight is a damage limitation exercise and will provide the background to a comeback next time around.
The new Citizens’ Movement is exceeding already high expectations with a share of the vote approaching ten percent.
More to follow.
Iceland votes today in historic election
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
Iceland is holding its national parliamentary election today; polling stations are open from 09.00 until 22.00 GMT. In total 227,896 people, over the age of 18, have the right to vote today. Icelandic citizens are automatically registered to vote and do not need to register themselves if they live in the country.
The total number of potential voters today is made up of 114,295 women and 113,601 men. There is a three percent increase (6,566 people) in the number of people able to vote since the last election in 2007. The number of people who turned 18 since 2007 and can therefore vote for the first time is 9,398, or 4.1 percent of the total.
There are six electoral districts in Iceland: Northwest, Northeast, South, Reykjavik North, Reykjavik South and Southwest (some of the largest towns directly in the capital region which are not part of Reykjavik).
Unsure Icelandic citizens can go to their local council’s website to find out where to vote. In Reykjavik there are 14 voting stations with seven polling booths in each.
IceNews will keep you updated with the important election news as it happens.
Photo: mbl.is/Árni
Social Democrats still Iceland’s biggest party
Friday, April 24th, 2009
The Social Democrats are still Iceland’s largest political party, according to the latest Capacent Gallup opinion poll - they command 29 percent support. The Left Green Movement follows with 27 percent and roughly 24 percent of respondents intend to vote for the Independence Party. The final poll results will be announced this evening on behalf of RUV and Morgunbladid, and the election takes place tomorrow.
The way things stand, the Social Democrats would get 19 MPs, and the Left Greens 18 - meaning a combined coalition majority in the 63-seat parliament. The Independence Party would get 15 MPs and the Progressive Party 7. The remaining four seats would be taken by the new Citizens’ Movement.
The final opinion poll results will be broadcast at 18.00 GMT on RUV.