Left Green Movement distances itself from coalition compromises at meeting in Reykjanesbær

The Left Green Movement has sharply shifted to the left, distancing itself from compromises in the coalition government during its recent party council meeting, as noted by a political science professor. Eiríkur Bergmann remarked that significant tensions have arisen between the Left Greens and the Independence Party within the coalition.

The Left Green Movement convened in Reykjanesbær, where a resolution condemning the former foreign minister’s decision to freeze funding for Palestinian refugee assistance raised eyebrows. This move highlighted the growing rift in cooperative governing, with Eiríkur predicting that it will become increasingly challenging for coalition parties to navigate legislative issues.

He indicated that major legislative changes are poised to face considerable hurdles and posited that the parliament could become ‘completely stuck’ on key matters. Each minister may now pursue their agenda independently, rather than as part of a cohesive government.

The meeting also saw a renewed emphasis on human rights issues, particularly with the establishment of the Icelandic Human Rights Agency. This transition of equality and human rights issues back to the Ministry of Social Affairs was not surprising to Eiríkur, who criticized the current prime minister for a lack of interest in these matters compared to their predecessor.

In education, the Left Greens asserted that the schooling system should serve as a principal equalizer within society and called for free meals in secondary schools. This position met skepticism from officials questioning the feasibility of providing free educational materials and meals due to budget constraints.

Lastly, the discussions included proposals for a constitutional amendment to secure national ownership of natural resources, ensuring that revenues from their use benefit communal funds and promoting transparency within the fishing industry.