| Author (Person) | Rocha, Frederico |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Cardiff EDC |
| Series Details | November 2017 |
| Publication Date | 30/11/2017 |
| Content Type | News |
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Further information: It was decided that the leader of the Left-Green Movement Katrin Jakobsdottir would become Iceland's Prime Minister in a government also including the liberals of the Progressive Party and the centre-right Independence Party. The agreement was reached following two weeks of negotiations between the three parties. Before that, the Left-Green Movement unsuccessfully tried to come up with a left-leaning cabinet. The broad-based government agrees that investment was needed in areas like welfare, infrastructure and tourism, but parties traditionally disagree over how this should be financed. The agreement was criticised by some Left-Green members and voters. The government enjoyed a one-seat majority in the Parliament due to the lack of support by two Green MPs. Ms Jakobsdottir became the country's first Green head of government and the second female Prime Minister after Johanna Siguroardottir (2009-2012). Background information: A snap parliamentary election was held on 28 October 2017 and produced a more fragmented chamber. The Independence Party lost its majority and the Left-Green Movement came second in the polls. Initial negotiations were held between the latter, the Progressives, Social Democratic Alliance and Pirates but soon it became apparent their support base would be too narrow. The snap election was called following the collapse of the government headed by Bjarni Benediktsson and his Independence Party. Mr Benediktsson became the Finance Minister in the new government, sparking controversy. Three political parties reached an agreement on 30 November 2017 to form a coalition government in Iceland, following weeks of negotiations in the aftermath of a snap legislative election in the country. |
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| Countries / Regions | Iceland |
