Mayor of Reykjavík Jón Gnarr is among the people currently protesting human rights violations in Slovakia outside Althingi, the Icelandic parliament, in a demonstration organized by the Iceland division of Amnesty International. Posts Tagged ‘Parliament’
Mayor of Reykjavík Protests Outside Parliament
Monday, September 20th, 2010Mayor of Reykjavík Jón Gnarr is among the people currently protesting human rights violations in Slovakia outside Althingi, the Icelandic parliament, in a demonstration organized by the Iceland division of Amnesty International. Concert held to protest trial of Iceland parliament protesters
Thursday, May 13th, 2010
An outdoor concert is planned for this Saturday in support of the nine people charged with assault at Althingi during last winter’s “pots & pans revolution”.
Among the acts who will play the event outside Iceland’s Althingi parliament in Reykjavik are Hjaltalin, Pall Oskar, KK og Ellen and Ari Eldjarn. In other words, several of Iceland’s biggest domestic music acts.
The concert is advertised on Facebook under the name Vorkoma (the Coming of Spring) and although free to attend, bank details will be handed out at the concert to those wishing to contribute to the nine protesters’ legal costs.
The protesters had their first court hearing yesterday and the Reykjavik District Court quickly filled with supporters. One man was arrested, DV.is reports.
The nine were arrested on charges of assault and violent conduct in the national parliament shortly before Christmas 2008 at a time when the government was under intense pressure to resign.
Eleven Men Charged for Purchasing Prostitution
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
The public prosecutor has issued charges for 11 men who are suspected of having purchased sexual services last year from a woman who is on trial for sex mongering. This is the first time that such charges have been issued in Iceland since the Althingi parliament passed legislation in 2009 making the purchase of prostitution illegal. Sunday night meeting for Icelandic government
Monday, May 10th, 2010
The Icelandic cabinet met last night in Reykjavik to discuss the nation’s finance and the proposed merger of several ministries.
“This is just a work meeting which will cover national finances and the budget, preparation, and where we stand with regard to big and vital projects,” Finance Minister Steingrimur J. Sigfusson told reporters on the way in to the unusual Sunday night meeting.
Government spending targets are going well according to plan, Sigfusson said; adding that interest costs are lower than had been anticipated. “But when it comes to the income side, some are on target and others below, now we need to address those and (adapt) the financial plan.”
Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said that the government’s finances are still in a very difficult state. “It is clear to see that the recession has been less severe than expected meaning that we hope to be able to sort this out – but it will be difficult,” she said.
Mayday celebrations in full swing
Saturday, May 1st, 2010Today is Mayday – international labour day. The event is being celebrated with marches, demonstrations and family entertainment all over Iceland.
In Reykjavik a large coalition of unions and associations have come together to host a rally starting at 13.00 at Hlemmur and moving down to Austurvollur, Parliament Square. Once at the square, a series of speeches begins at 14.10, and due to end at 15.00.
Two brass bands and the popular rock band Hjaltalin are also taking part.
After the speeches, most big labour unions and political parties will be offering coffee and cakes to the public and some of the political parties are taking the opportunity to formally open their election offices today for the upcoming local elections. Today is an official flag day in Iceland.
Icelandic church delays decision on gay marriage
Friday, April 30th, 2010
The National Church of Iceland yesterday took no formal position on a current parliamentary bill which would amend marriage laws to include gay couples. The national synod instead voted to refer the matter to the church’s doctrine and rites committee.
The new unified marriage bill being proposed by Iceland’s Minister of Justice and Human Rights could become law as early as 27th June this year and would allow religious groups, including the national church, to legally marry same sex couples. Religious groups are already able to bless registered partnerships which are almost identical to marriage, legally speaking.
The issue was discussed yesterday in a heated debate at the ongoing annual national synod and the bill was supported by 91 priests and theologians. Despite 91 being a large majority of the 125 attendees eligible to vote, those opposed to the parliamentary bill were able to force a vote on sending the decision to the church’s committee on rites and dogma. That vote was won 56 against 53, RUV reports.
Whether or not the law is officially welcomed by the church is yet to be revealed; but the bill seems increasingly likely to pass parliament either way.
Large photo: Anders Peter Amsnæs
Export initiatives to be merged into new Iceland Agency
Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Althingi, the Icelandic parliament, has voted to create a new agency called the Iceland Agency which will take over from the Trade Council of Iceland and national tourist marketing.
According to a statement from Althingi this morning, the Iceland Agency is intended to place a clear frame around Iceland’s reputation management and marketing strategies where key players in exports, tourism and knowledge industries can come together and work with the public sector in order to monitor and improve the country’s reputation overseas.
As well as the Trade Council of Iceland, the marketing and publicity department of the Icelandic Tourist Board will also be brought into the Iceland Agency as part of its strategy to bring more foreign tourists to Iceland.
43 MPs voted for the bill and three abstained, Visir.is reports.
Icelandic president to lose referendum power?
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
Johanna Sigurdardottir, Prime Minister of Iceland and leader of the Social Democrats, has told reporters she wants the President’s right to veto new acts of parliament and send them to a public referendum to be removed.
The Icelandic President is the country’s head of state and the only person with power over parliament; but Johanna Sigurdardottir said she wants the right to call a referendum to be placed directly in the hands of the public.
Current president, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson has twice used his veto and is the only president to have ever done so, RUV reports.
Sigurdardottir said that her party is very enthusiastic about a bill due before parliament that would call together a constitutional parliament of citizens with the legal power to change Iceland’s constitution. She believes such a parliament should make re-evaluation of the president’s role a priority. Sigurdardottir is also in favour of the office of president having stricter rules on conduct and a clearer job description.
German Parliament Greenlights Iceland-EU Talks
Saturday, April 24th, 2010
The German parliament has decided with a vast majority to permit the European Union to begin accession talks with Iceland. Now there is nothing in the way of the Committee of Ministers from determining whether talks should begin. Iceland’s Opposition Criticizes Icesave-IMF Connection
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010
Chairmen of the largest opposition parties in the Icelandic parliament are critical of the government’s declaration of intent to the IMF that the cost of the Icesave loans will be repaid in full, including “normal” interest. Independence Leader gets Vote of Confidence
Monday, April 19th, 2010
Bjarni Benediktsson, chairman of the Independence Party got a unanimous vote of confidence at a party convention on Saturday. The party has been shaken by the report of the investigative committee on the Icelandic crash. Vice Chairman Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir and Member of Parliament Illugi Gunnarsson both decided to take a leave of absence until a committee formed by members of Althingi had finished its report. Independence Party Vice Chairman Resigns, Takes a Leave from Althingi Because of Report
Saturday, April 17th, 2010
Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Vice Chairman of the Independence Party and former Minister of Education announced this morning at a party conference that she has decided to step down as vice chairman and take a temporary leave of absence from Althingi, Iceland’s Parliament. Former Social Democrats Minister Takes a Leave from Althingi Because of Investigative Report
Thursday, April 15th, 2010
Former Minister of Commerce, Björgvin G. Sigurdsson, has decided to take a temporary leave of absence from Althingi, Iceland’s Parliament. He believes that his presence in Althingi could disturb the work in connection with the report of the investigative committee. Sigurdsson was one of three ministers mentioned in the report as having possibly neglected his duties. Icelandic Member of Parliament: The President was Cheerleader for Tycoons
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
Björn Valur Gíslason, member of Althingi, Iceland’s Parliament, said on Tuesday that “Iceland’s name has been abused and harmed internationally in recent years. The President of Iceland bears great responsibility like many others.” Gíslason is a member of Althingi for the ruling Left Green. Iceland bank report fallout continues
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
Iceland’s so-called Black Report into the banking crisis was discussed all day yesterday in parliament and heated exchanges will continue today.
The deputy chair of the parliamentary budgetary committee was one of several MPs to harshly speak out against the president for his role in the collapse.
All of parliament seems to be united in support for the report and respect for its authority – but their interpretations of it are split largely along party lines.
Among the final speakers last night was deputy chair of the parliamentary budgetary committee, Bjorn Valur Gislason, who harshly criticised President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and his staff. He said that Grimsson had conscientiously extolled the virtues of the “Outvasion Vikings” who in turn became like old family friends at Bessasstadir, the presidential residence.
The previous government of Geir H. Haarde also came in for criticism. The report says that important decisions were often badly informed. Ministers did not give essential information to Althingi, often because they did not have it themselves. One conclusion drawn was that key figures within government simply did not trust one another.
Current Prime Minister, Johanna Sigurdardottir told Althingi yesterday that much of the information in the report is a harsh indictment on the authorities.
Three parliamentary committees have been tasked with examining the report closely and recommending improvements to the political structure. At least one of the committees is expected to hand its findings over within three weeks.
Icelandic government welcomes investigative commission's report on collapse of Icelandic banks
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
The Icelandic government welcomes the report published today by the Special Investigative Commission of the Parliament on the causes of the collapse of the Icelandic banking system. Consisting of independent experts, the investigative commission was established by the Icelandic parliament in December 2008.
Reactions to Iceland banking report
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
As could be expected yesterday’s release of the report into the banking collapse, commissioned by the Icelandic parliament, drew different reactions from different people.
Bjorgvin G. Sigurdsson, Iceland’s former Minister for Commerce, was one of those personally singled out for criticism. He reacted by resigning his post as chairman of the parliamentary group of Social Democrat MPs and called publicly for a national ‘high court’ to be called together to pass judgement. Sigurdsson was singled out for being negligent; but the report also stated that he had been deliberately kept in the dark on many important issues by others in government and the central bank.
Former Prime Minister Gier H. Haarde was another singled out for having been negligent and RUV reports that he could technically face two years in jail if the aforementioned ‘high court’ is called to session. Haarde said, however, that he has no fear of such a court. He told media that the report is very clear that by far the biggest share of blame must be laid with the banks themselves and their irresponsible business practices. He said the report shows the banks were already beyond saving in 2006.
Former Central Bank head David Oddsson is out of the country and was not interviewed.
Left Green leader Steingrimur J. Sigfusson told parliament that the report is the story of how Iceland’s cherished Nordic welfare state had been robbed by those wielding imported free-market, low regulation ideals. He also joined the report in criticising President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson for having been a cheerleader for the Outvasion Vikings and taking personal profit (not in direct payment) from their business practices.
Current Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said she took from the report that the banks had been run for the benefit for their biggest shareholders with scarcely a thought for customers or the average shareholder.
Could ‘negligent’ Iceland ex-ministers face jail?
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
If former Icelandic ministers broke laws on ministerial responsibility with their reported negligence, they could face up to two years in prison.
The Althingi-commissioned report into Iceland’s banking collapse in 2008 accused ministers Geir H. Haarde (Prime Minister), Arni Mathiesen (Finance Minister) and Bjorgvin G. Sigurdsson (Minister of Commerce) with gross negligence in their handling of the run up to the collapse.
A committee of MPs will meet to go over the report today and prepare a response on behalf of parliament. Bjorgvin G. Sigurdsson has already requested that the committee call together a so-called ‘national high court’ to pronounce on the ministers’ alleged negligence.
Under Iceland’s laws on ministerial responsibility from 1963, ministers found to have acted negligently can face fines or prison. The head of the parliamentary committee, Atli Gislason, told RUV that this particular issue absolutely must be dealt with during this session of parliament, which ends in September.
Government of Iceland Welcomes Crisis Report
Monday, April 12th, 2010
The Icelandic government welcomes the report published today by the Special Investigative Commission of the Parliament on the causes of the collapse of the Icelandic banking system.