Until this January when people flocked outside the Althingi building, truck-driver Sturla Jonsson was the best known protester in Iceland.
He was instrumental in leading the protests of professional drivers against the high taxes and charges on gasoline that culminated in the infamous “gas gas” episode in April. A standoff between the drivers who had been blocking traffic on main highways for a few days and the police turned surreal when pepperspray was used in an infamous fight. This was April 2008 and Icelanders who hadn’t experienced any real protests for decades were in for different times.

Sturla ran for parliament for the Liberal Party but like others from that party didn’t succeed in winning a seat. He doesn’t give much for the IMF and says it is dragging Iceland further into trouble. He compares Iceland to Argentina which suffered deeply after the IMF intervened in its affairs.

He is now moving to Norway to work, his wife is exploring opportunities in the USA. The family is seeking opportunities abroad. “I have given up”, says Sturla to visir.is. “While the people don’t stand up and protest, nothing can be done. I have been doing this since March last year and nothing happens”

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