The government’s 2013 budget bill was passed at parliament yesterday with 28 votes from coalition party members and the two members of the new party Björt framtíð. Jón Bjarnason, member of the Left-Greens, one of the coalition parties, abstained.

From the Icelandic parliament. Photo copyright Icelandic Photo Agency.

Jón explained that he couldn’t support the bill as it includes continued funding for Iceland’s accession talks with the European Union, even though many other aspects of it were good, ruv.is reports.

MPs of the opposition’s Independence Party, Progressive Party, The Movement and independent MPs also abstained during the vote.

Independence Party MP Pétur Blöndal criticized the bill, reasoning that many big numbers were missing from it, including for the planned construction of a new building for the Landspítali National University Hospital.

Pétur stated that in spite of constructions being planned, the estimated cost of ISK 75 billion (USD 594 million, EUR 450 million) were not included in the budget bill.

All amendment proposals by the coalition government MPs were accepted, including the cancellation of planned higher tariffs on broadcasting and fossil fuels.

Click here to read more about the budget bill.

ESA

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