From Iceland — New Government Nears Completion

New Government Nears Completion

Published January 30, 2009

RÚV reports that the creation of a new government is all but complete.
Among the final decisions to be made is the exact date of election day,
the selection of ministers, and the creation of a constituent council
for reviewing the constitution.
Soon-to-be Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and Left-Green chairman Steingrímur J. Sigfússon told reporters that the talks between their respective parties have been going smoothly, which just a few details left to fine tune. Sigurðardóttir said that she plans on talking to Progressive Party chairman Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson about supporting a minority government with his party’s help.
The Progressives have set three conditions for supporting a minority government. First, that households in debt and job creation receive assistance. Second, that elections are held no later than 25 April. And third, the creation of a constituent council for reviewing the constitution. The proposed council would consist of 63 members – like parliament – and the whole country would be regarded as one voting district. Any citizen would be able to run for this council, except for the president, MPs and ministers. The council would have 60 days to review the constitution and report their findings.
Sigurðardóttir said she finds the idea of the constituent council appealling. The date of election day is, however, still a matter of contention.

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