Opposition leaders in Icelandic Parliament push for budget agreement ahead of elections

Political leaders from opposition parties in the Icelandic Parliament agree on the necessity of passing some form of budget. They express satisfaction with the announcement of an election date and criticize the Green Left for refusing to join a caretaker government.

Inga Sæland, leader of the People’s Party, finds it childish for Svandís Svavarsdóttir to decline participation in the interim government. Kristrún Frostadóttir, leader of the Social Democratic Alliance, welcomes the certainty around the election date, stating, “It is great to know that the Prime Minister has requested resignation.”

Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, leader of the Centre Party, appreciates the clarity on the election date and believes it was the only reasonable outcome. He emphasizes the importance of finalizing budget discussions before the elections, highlighting that budgets should take priority in the final session of Parliament.

The President of Iceland has approved Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson’s request to form a caretaker government, with elections set for November 30. The Green Left has announced it will not participate in this interim cabinet.

There is concern about having enough time to complete the budget before the elections. Sigmar Guðmundsson of the Reform Party feels it is essential for ministers to remain in office until the elections, ensuring governmental stability.

Other leaders echo the need for cooperation among parliamentary groups to successfully finalize the budget, which remains a top priority. Discussions indicate that the upcoming budget might be a stripped-down version or require adjustment after the elections, but there is a collective expectation that some form of budget agreement will be reached to maintain public services.