At a meeting of the Progressive Party this Sunday, Prime Minister Halldór Ásgrímsson was reelected chairman of his party. While his support had decreased, with a vote of 82% in favour of reeelection compared with 92% two years ago.
The election raised the visibility of former Minister of the Environment Siv Fridleifsdóttir, who has been appointed Secretary of the party. Gudni Agústsson will continue to serve as Vice Chairman.
At the meeting, the Progressive Party also made an attention-grabbing decision on foreign policy, stating that they are interested in working on applying to join the EU in 2007. This position is in direct contrast with that of their partner in the coalition government, the Independence Party.
Following the meeting, Frettabladid reports that Halldór Ásgrímsson was in contact with Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik. Norway has not joined the EU and would be in a tenuous position if Iceland left the EEA.
