Finance Minister Tight-Lipped On Coalition’s Future

Finance Minister Bjarni Benediktsson has refused to comment on the PM’s adequacy for the office or the future of the coalition in the wake of revelations that came to light last night about the Panama Papers leak.

In an interview with MBL, Bjarni said that the new revelations about Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson’s involvement with offshore companies has been “a heavy blow” to the status of the government. But it was what Bjarni did not say that is most telling.

The Finance Minister would not comment on the proposal from members of the opposition calling for early elections, and every opposition MP so far at the time of this writing has reportedly called for the PM’s resignation. He furthermore would not answer when asked if he felt Sigmundur was fit to remain in office.

As one member of parliament after another lines up to speak, it is speculated by Icelanders on social media that the opposition will attempt to keep the talks going past the start of today’s protests, scheduled to begin in just over an hour.

Even so, protestors are reportedly already on the scene, and there has been one arrest, of a man who threw skyr at the parliamentary building.

You can follow our continuing coverage on our news site and our Twitter feed. We will also be providing live video coverage of the protests themselves when they begin. Stay tuned!