Government’s Agenda Introduced

Iceland Review Online aims to provide coverage and analysis of some of the stories making headlines in the Icelandic media in the form of news stories and opinion pieces as well as provide other useful information for both English-speakers in Iceland and travelers to the country. It also reviews the latest Iceland-related books, films, music and art. Iceland Review Online was established in 1996.Formal coalition talks between the Independence Party, the Reform Party and Bright Future began on the 2 January 2017 in a further attempt by Icelandic political parties to form a government following the October 2016 election which left no clear majority party.

A government from these three political parties was announced on the 10 January 2017.

Some reports suggested that Iceland might hold a new referendum on possible membership of the European Union.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Icelandic parliamentary election, 29 October 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/icelandic-parliamentary-election-29-october-2016/

ESO: Background information: Iceland’s Left-Green Party ends coalition talks / Iceland's Pirate Party asked to try to form a government http://www.europeansources.info/record/icelands-left-green-party-ends-coalition-talks-icelands-pirate-party-asked-to-try-to-form-a-government/

EurActiv, 02.01.17: Iceland tempted once more by EU membership bait http://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/iceland-tempted-once-more-by-eu-membership-bait/

Iceland Review Online, 02.01.17: New Government Taking Shape? http://icelandreview.com/news/2017/01/02/new-government-taking-shape

Sputnik International, 10.01.17: Iceland Facing EU Membership Vote as Parties Form Center-Right Coalition https://sputniknews.com/europe/201701101049444224-iceland-eu-membership-vote/

EurActiv, 10.01.17: Iceland’s centre-right parties agree to form government; EU vote eyed http://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/icelands-centre-right-parties-agree-to-form-government-eu-vote-eyed/

EUObserver, 11.01.17: New Iceland government pledges to resume EU debate https://euobserver.com/nordic/136496

Deutsche Welle, 10.01.17: Iceland agrees to form coalition government http://dw.com/p/2VaMB

BBC News, 10.01.17: Iceland government considers new EU membership bid http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-38568262

Iceland Review Online, 11.01.17: Pictures of New Icelandic Government http://icelandreview.com/news/2017/01/11/pictures-new-icelandic-government

Iceland: Publications: News and Articles, 11.01.17: New Icelandic Government - government of Mr. Bjarni Benediktsson takes office https://eng.forsaetisraduneyti.is/news-and-articles/nr/9086

Iceland: Publications: News and Articles, 11.01.17: Platform of the Coalition Government formed by the Independence Party, the Reform Party and Bright Future http://www.government.is/government/coalition-platform/

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