The trouble with politicians in Iceland is that they have managed to get away with it all for a long time and many still think they do.
Gunnar Birgisson, mayor of Kopavogur, Reykjavik’s largest satellite and former chairman of the board at the Icelandic Student Loan Association is being accused of having directed work from the town and the loan association worth tens of millions towards his daughter’s advertising company, sometimes with payments received by her company without any work being completed.
Gunnar’s reply, “she’s not supposed to suffer for being my daughter”. The same one that his fellow Independence Party members have used to defend the appointment of David Oddson’s son to the district court above more qualified members.
If Gunnar doesn’t see a conflict of interest and a serious ethical dilemma then the Progressive Party representative who is keeping the mayor in office through the parties’ cooperation has been seem to be squirming on the news lately. He is in a pinch whether to keep operating things the way they were, or change the game. A serious question many Icelanders have to ask themselves these days.
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Einar Jón
1 year ago
I hate it when politicians say this, because they really mean “you shouldn’t ask any questions because she’s my daughter”.
As everyone not in politics should know this argument only holds when there is a suspicion that the relative is getting “unfair” treatment – not special treatment.
Roy
1 year ago
He is also the fattest slob in government! Let´s hope he keeps on chowing down on the goodies that will surely kill him! I’ve got got my fingers crossed!