An MP for the Independence Party is being investigated for being in violation of a finance law, and has admitted his guilt. The chairman of the party says this will have no effect on his position in parliament.
MP Ásbjörn Óttarsson owns, along with his family, a company called Nesver. Near the end of 2008, the company owed the banks hundreds of millions of crowns, and had lost 600 million. Nonetheless, Óttarsson paid himself and his wife 65 million crowns, in violation of finance laws.
Óttarsson has admitted his guilt publicly, adding that he wasn’t aware of the law.
Independence Party chairman Bjarni Benediktsson praised Óttarsson’s honesty, saying that he had done very well in admitting his guilt, and added that the current police interest in Óttarsson’s other financial dealings should have no effect on whether or not he remains a member of parliament.