From Iceland — Big Changes Ahead in Icelandic Government

Big Changes Ahead in Icelandic Government

Published January 29, 2009

As talks continue between Social Democrats and Left-Greens with regards
to what the final form of the government will be, it is becoming more
clear that the number of ministries will be reduced through combining
offices. Also, new ministers may be hired from outside of parliament.
Morgunblaðið reports that the ministries of health and social affairs will be combined as one, and the ministries of industry, fishing, agriculture and transportation will be combined into one ministry as well. In addition, a Ministry of Employment Affairs will be created.
Who will be the minister of which ministry is a matter that is still undecided, although a number of candidates are in the running. This includes some who aren’t members of parliament. Gylfi Magnússon, an economist at the University of Iceland, has been mentioned a number of times as a possible candidate for Minister of Business.
Soon-to-be Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir told reporters yesterday that a final decision regarding what shape the government will take should be reached by Saturday at the latest.

Support The Reykjavík Grapevine!
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!

Show Me More!