The two-party coalition of the Independence Party and the Progressive
Party will continue to head Kópavogur town council, sparking protests
from the council minority.
The previous mayor, Gunnar Birgisson, has temporarily stepped down as mayor under a cloud of investigations on corruption and nepotism charges. His party, the Independence Party, named a replacement for him, Gunnstein Sigurðsson. Ómar Stefánsson, who chairs the Progressive Party on town council, met with Sigurðsson yesterday, and an agreement on the deal was made later that day.
The Leftist-Greens of Kópavogur are anything but happy with the deal, and issued a statement saying in part that their continued partnership leading town council would continue a platform of corruption. In addition, they expressed bewilderment that the two parties would ignore what the Leftist-Greens say has been a clear message from the townspeople to change the leadership.
Birgisson is on temporary leave while authorities investigate evidence which indicates he awarded sweetheart city contracts to a company owned by his daughter, and used the town pension fund for his personal use. If cleared of wrongdoing, he could return as mayor. Birgisson has denied all charges against him.