Icelandic Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson calls for election in November due to policy disagreements, resulting in government collapse.
Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson of Iceland has announced the dissolution of the country’s three-party coalition government, leading to a new election set for November. Policy disputes surrounding foreign relations, asylum seekers, and energy were cited as the primary reasons for the collapse, according to public broadcaster RUV.
The coalition included Benediktsson’s right-wing Independence Party, the Left-Green Movement, and the centre-right Progressive Party. Benediktsson highlighted the lack of alignment between their visions and stressed the importance of a shared government vision.
With only 24.6 percent voter support according to a Gallup poll, the coalition faced challenges amidst economic strains and natural disasters. Benediktsson’s decision to step down follows recent volcanic eruptions that displaced thousands and added pressure on an already struggling economy.
As Benediktsson prepares for the upcoming election, the political landscape of Iceland remains uncertain, with implications for the country’s future direction.