There is a storm warning in Iceland. And it is not just the weather which is huffing and puffing.
The last week has been a difficult one for the government and especially the Left Greens. Ogmundur Jonasson resigned as Minister of Health and told whoever wanted to listen that it was because he could not agree with or support the government in concluding an agreement with the British and the Dutch because of IceSave. He still claimed that he supported the government.
Since then the speculation has been mounting whether the Left Greens are de facto two parties, one lead by Steingrimur J. Sigfusson and the other lead by Ogmundur Jonasson. This has not done the party, accused in the past of having all the complaints and none of the answers any favours politically. Then Ogmundur’s bizarre praise of Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson after the first debate of Althingi did nothing to calm the uncertainness within the country. Who is backing whom?
Would Ogmundurs hissy fit lead the Progressives or the Independence Party back into government before they’ve taken responsibility for their part in the economic disaster? The message to a divided country seems unclear.
One notable and positive change in Icelandic politics has emerged. It should be celebrated that issues are discussed and even debated within the government after years of what appeared to be the “bend over” rule of “dominant leaders”. Say what you will about the IceSave agreement, when it is concluded it will have been discussed to pieces in an Icelandic society which has been lacking in open critical discussion for quite a while.
But Ogmundur needs to play his cards right in the next few weeks. He and his supporters need to present an alternative to the IceSave agreement and the IMF that makes sense. If they don’t then they are just pouring oil on the fire.
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October 9th, 2009 → 9:56 am @ Dadi
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