Icelandic PM Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson went to Bessastaðir, the presidential residence, yesterday afternoon to formally ask, on behalf of his government, to be relieved of his duties, mbl.is reports.
The coalition government of the Progressive Party and the Independence Party lost its majority in Saturday’s parliamentary election. The two parties combined received only 40.6 percent of the vote and 29 members of parliament, which has a total of 63 members.
Sigurður Ingi’s Progressive Party lost considerable support, receiving only 11.5 percent of the vote and 8 MPs, compared with 19 MPs in the 2013 election. The Independence Party, on the other hand, did very well in the election, receiving 29.1 percent of the vote and 21 MPs, compared with 19 MPs in 2013.
President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson accepted his request, but asked that the government remain as a caretaker government until a new one has been formed.
The president has invited the leaders of all political parties with representation in Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament, to meet him today.
