Leaders of five left-leaning parties are working to form a new majority in Reykjavík. Hildur Björnsdóttir, leader of the Independence Party in Reykjavík, criticises the prolonged negotiations, while a representative of the Left-Green Movement argues that careful negotiations take time.
Working to form a new coalition
As previously reported, leaders of the Social Democratic Alliance, the Pirate Party, the People’s Party, the Socialist Party, and the Left-Greens have in recent days been working to form a new majority in Reykjavík City Council.
These new discussions follow Mayor Einar Þorsteinsson’s decision to dissolve the existing coalition. Einar had attempted to form a majority with the Independence Party, the Reform Party, and the People’s Party, but intervention from the People’s Party leadership ultimately derailed those talks.
Disappointed in the breakdown
In an interview with the radio programme Sprengisandur over the weekend, Hildur Björnsdóttir, leader of the Independence Party in Reykjavík, reiterated her position that “no one was calling for a left-wing majority in the city.”
She expressed disappointment over the breakdown of negotiations between her party and other right-wing parties, attributing the failure to what she describes as outdated ideological rigidity.
“It was disappointing because we had already begun discussions, and they were progressing well. There was no tension in the dialogue, and we were in complete agreement on policy issues. Then this happened, completely unexpectedly,” Hildur remarked.
She insisted that the breakdown was not due to policy disagreements.
“I think it’s quite clear that this had nothing to do with the Independence Party’s city council group. This was about something else, some other considerations,” she said.
Outdated ideological rigidity
“I think this is a bit rigid and outdated – to claim that it is entirely unacceptable to work with a political party that has had little to no role in governing the capital for thirty years. I find that rather peculiar,” Hildur continued.
Hildur noted that she did not hold a grudge against Morgunblaðið – whose recent coverage of the People’s Party has been attributed to the latter party’s unwillingness to cooperate with the Independence Party – but believes the party must get used to media scrutiny.
“We, as Independence Party members, are very familiar with being a target in media discussions. That is perhaps something the People’s Party will now have to get used to,” she said.
Overlong negotiations?
Hildur also criticised left-wing party leaders for what she sees as delays in forming a new majority.
“I have to say, I find it surprising how long their discussions are taking. I believe there is an urgent need to act swiftly and decisively, as there is little time left in the term, and the issues are clear.”
Responding to Hildur’s frustrations in an interview with Mbl.is yesterday, Líf Magneudóttir, city councillor with the Left-Green Movement, asked if four days were really such a long time.
“First, I have to ask: Is four days really a long time when five parties are coming together and everything is at stake? I completely understand that city residents and Hildur are impatient – I am too. So we are simply trying to be thorough while also moving quickly.”
