The Independence Party is having a difficult time forming a common platform with the Restoration Party and Bright Future, to such a degree that Independence Party chair Bjarni Benediktsson may return his mandate to the President.
Despite some optimistic words from Bjarni earlier this week, MBL reports that talks between the three parties have reached an impasse. The three are finding it difficult to create a common platform, with areas of contention such as EU accession stranding the talks.
Members of the Independence Party are also concerned that the proposed coalition would only have a majority of exactly one seat, which sources say makes the party worried about its stability and effectiveness.
As such, there is a strong possibility that Bjarni may return the mandate to President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, who would then be tasked with choosing another party to carry the mandate and form a coalition. That coalition would likely be led by Left-Green chairperson Katrín Jakobsdóttir.
As it stands now, centre-right coalition talks are on the brink of falling apart. The Grapevine will keep readers updated as events unfold.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
