The political scene in Iceland in 2019 was chaotic prefer it most frequently is. Although the political scene isn’t giant by any means, with 63 MPs within the Icelandic Parliament and 23 seats within the Reykjavík Metropolis Council, the shut quarters result in intense preventing. Usually, the one saving grace for Icelandic politicians is the truth that Icelanders transfer on to the ‘subsequent scandal’ extraordinarily shortly. Yesterday’s information turns into yesterday’s information in a matter of days. That’s why we now have a recap reminiscent of this one. From Eurovision scandals and Mike Pence’s controversial go to to nefarious Namibian dealings, and all the pieces between. Step into the tumultuous political scene in Iceland with us.
Fallout from Klaustur
The yr began with the fallout from the Klaustur Scandal, the place six MPs made sexist, ableist, and homophobic remarks about their colleagues on the Klaustur bar in downtown Reykjavík. Although the scandal happened in 2018, the case rattled Icelanders in order that ripples have been felt via the brand new yr. The courtroom case of whistle-blower Bára Halldórsdóttir got here to an finish as Miðflokkur (The Central Get together) MPs had charged her for invasion of privateness. Bára was made to delete the recordings. In the meantime, The Central Get together turned the second-largest occasion in Iceland, polling at 14.8% of voters in October.
Third Power Package deal
The Third Power Package deal seems like one thing you’ll guzzle down whereas operating a marathon, nevertheless it’s something however. The matter break up opinions in the beginning of the yr as politicians and the general public alike debated it hotly. The Third Power Package deal was accredited by the EU in 2009, and was to be adopted by EU and EEA member states. Ten years later, Iceland was the one nation to not have accredited the bundle. Many believed Iceland would surrender part of its sovereignty, and pressure Iceland to construct up an influence hyperlink to the EU. Ultimately, the bundle was accredited in September by a Parliamentary vote of 46 to 13.
Strikes, strikes, strikes
The hole between the bottom and highest earners of society has led to wage disputes and strikes. The spring of 2019 noticed tourism trade employees strike for larger wages, with resort workers putting and bus drivers following of their wake. Later in 2019, journalists striked to demand truthful wages. That debate is presently nonetheless ongoing, however newspaper Morgunblaðið noticed it match to have part-time workers members violate the strike in addition to shedding fifteen journalists.
On a happier, but nonetheless, considerably grim, be aware – the youth in Iceland took half within the world youth local weather strike motion led by Greta Thunberg. Minister of Surroundings Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson met with protesters.
Flags and dishwashing brushes
Anti-capitalist, BDSM carrying, industrial techno band Hatari represented Iceland on the 2019 Eurovision Tune Contest in Israel and managed to stir the pot. Band members held up banners bearing the Palestinian flag in the course of the revelation of the votes, a lot to the displeasure of Israeli officers. Ultimately, nationwide broadcaster RÚV acquired a fantastic and the flag-scene was faraway from the official Eurovision DV.
In June, a dishwashing brush and an airport wait strained the diplomatic relationship between Turkey and Iceland. A Belgian man caught a dishwashing brush in star gamers’ Emre Belozoglu’s face like a microphone whereas he was being interviewed by reporters. This occurred following an unusually lengthy wait on the airport. The Turkish authorities issued a diplomatic be aware to Iceland denouncing what it’s calling “disrespectful” and “violent” behaviour in opposition to the nation’s males’s nationwide soccer group. Iceland gained 2-0, however Turkey has not misplaced a single match since then.
Payments, payments, payments.
Payments, payments, payments just isn’t solely a Future’s Baby track but additionally what the Parliament began to accredited in droves within the spring- and summertime. A brand new plan was accredited to construct up tourism infrastructure, whereas a plan to ban single-use plastics was accredited, a broadly supported transfer.
In Might, the Authorities handed an abortion invoice which legalises the termination of a being pregnant throughout the first 22 weeks no matter circumstances. Abortion was beforehand authorized throughout the similar timeframe, nonetheless, an individual’s determination to terminate a being pregnant after the 16th week required approval by a committee. That call is now solely within the arms of the pregnant individual.
This June, the Directorate of Well being proposed a sugar tax on delicate drinks and sweets to work in direction of long run targets in public well being. The Icelandic Dentist’s Affiliation has but to launch a press release on the matter. Later that summer season, requires stricter laws on international land possession began to rear their head. It’s an oft and long-discussed topic which seems to be caught in political purgatory. However what needs to be accomplished, and who’s land is it anyway?
USA – Iceland and Mike Pence
This summer season, the Iceland – USA relationship was a scorching speaking level. US navy presence is returning to Iceland, because the US Air Power and US Navy will assemble services at Keflavík airport. The Air Power had services there from 1946 to 2006 and goes to spend ISK 7 billion ($56.2 million/€49.5 million) on navy infrastructure. In the meantime, Iceland elevated its defence price range by 37%, as a result of “…rising non permanent presence of NATO forces at Keflavík Airport as a result of worsening safety circumstances in Europe, together with within the North Atlantic.”
Vice President’s Mike Pence’s official go to to Iceland in August hit the information. Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir initially supposed to overlook the assembly as a result of commitments on the conference of Nordic commerce unions. Ultimately, Pence prolonged his keep to talk to Katrín about Arctic points in addition to defence issues. His go to was controversial and proved to considerably unpopular with street closures, excessive value and final however not least it was protested by quite a few organizations as a result of his pro-war and anti-LGBTQ+ agenda.
Deportations debated
The general public has referred to as for the federal government to make main enhancements to the dealing with of asylum seekers in Iceland. In August, authorities’ dealing with of two Afghan households searching for asylum in Iceland have been closely criticized. Later, in November, the Directorate of Immigration deported an asylum seeker who was simply shy of 36 weeks pregnant. Each instances have been met with outrage, as they have been thought of inhumane.
Transfer the clock – or not?
Few points have garnered as a lot consideration – and suggestions – because the contentious suggestion to maneuver the Icelandic clock again one hour to raised align with photo voltaic time. Ought to Iceland transfer the clock?
Fishrot Recordsdata
Final however not least are the Fishrot Recordsdata. Icelandic fishing firm Samherji is accused of tax evasion and bribery in Namibia to make sure entry to fishing quotas within the nation. Samherji is one among Iceland’s greatest corporations and the fallout has been in line with that. The federal government issued further funding to research Samherji’s wrongdoings, and Icelandic tax authorities have opened an investigation into the case. Namibian ministers have resigned, in addition to the CEO of Samherji. The case remains to be being resolved.
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