In Focus
In Focus: Samherji Scandal
One of the biggest news stories to break last year alleged that one of Iceland’s largest seafood companies, Samherji, had bribed Namibian government officials to gain access to lucrative fishing grounds, while also taking advantage of international loopholes to avoid taxes. The story was reported collaboratively by Kveikur, Stundin Newspaper, and Al Jazeera Investigates, after months of investigations sparked by the confessions of whistleblower Jóhannes Stefánsson, a former project manager for Samherji in Namibia. The following report is based on their extensive research.
In Focus: No Smoke Without Fireworks
Reykjavík’s New Year’s Eve fireworks tradition results in much pollution, yet it’s also the primary source of funding for the country’s search and rescue teams.
In Focus: Iceland and the Arctic
Powerful countries are showing increased interest in the Arctic – and Iceland.
In Focus: Proposed Sugar Tax
In an effort to improve public health, the Icelandic government plans to impose a sugar tax of 20% on products such as candy, chocolate, and sweetened soft drinks.
In Focus: Asylum Seeker Deportations
The impending deportations of two Afghan families seeking asylum in Iceland have been heavily criticised in recent weeks. The families in question are the Sarwary and Safari families, who have been granted international protection status in Greece.
In Focus: WOW air Goes Bankrupt
On the morning of March 28, 2019, WOW air unceremoniously ceased all service, stranding thousands of passengers on both sides of the Atlantic, prompting the largest mass layoffs in Icelandic history.
In Focus: Growing Environmental Awareness
The Icelandic public is growing more aware of the threat of climate change and even calling on the government to make large-scale policy changes. Is the government acting quickly or drastically enough to address the problem?
In Focus: Dropping Fertility
Since the 1960s, Iceland’s fertility rate has been steadily dropping. Fertility rates in 2017 were the lowest recorded since record-taking began in 1853. It should be mentioned that despite these historically low numbers, there is a constant growth in population, mainly due to immigration. Though the population may not be declining, it’s worth taking a […]
In Focus: Tourism Industry Strikes
Since the banking collapse just over ten years ago, Iceland has largely pulled itself back from the brink thanks to a tourism boom. So it’s a great irony that many of the lowest-paid individuals working in this economically integral industry continue to struggle to make ends meet. This state of affairs came to the forefront […]
In Focus: The Klaustur Scandal
The nation reacted in shock when a recording of six MPs revealed them making sexist, ableist, and homophobic remarks about their colleagues at Klaustur Bar in Reykjavík in late November. The case, which has since become known as the Klaustur Scandal, made headlines internationally and led to public protests in Iceland. The individual responsible for […]
In Focus: Third Energy Package
This February, the Icelandic parliament will vote on whether to agree on the European Union’s Third Energy Package. The matter has caused much debate among politicians as the package plays an important role in Iceland’s relationship with the rest of Europe and its membership in the European Economic Area (EEA). Some believe agreeing to the […]
In Focus: Wage War
The banking collapse of 2008 took its toll on the Icelandic nation, both financially and emotionally. Icelanders came together in protest, yet perhaps surprisingly, without the leadership of their unions. Now, ten years later, Icelandic unions are fighting for the rights of their members. With many wage agreements expiring at the end of this year, […]
