Runólfur Ágústsson, the ombudsman for debtors who was recently hired by the Ministry of Social Affairs, resigned on Tuesday, the same day that he was supposed to assume his duties. Ágústsson said he had resigned at the request of Minister of Social Affairs Árni Páll Árnason (pictured). The minister dismisses the claim.
According to Fréttabladid’s sources, the debate surrounding Ágústsson’s personal finances was the reason for his resignation but Árnason’s recollection of the conversation regarding the resignation differs from what Ágústsson is claiming.
The minister allegedly only expressed his view that if the publication of some of the information that has been requested regarding Ágústsson’s personal finances couldn’t be made public he would have to step down.
Ágústsson was considered the most qualified applicant for the position by an employment agency which reviewed the applications. The ministry did not look into the personal finances of applicants since there were no specific demands made to that regard.
The position has now been offered to another applicant, Ásta Sigrún Helgadóttir, who is considering the offer. She was discontent when Ágústsson was chosen over her and had already begun looking into legal options before he announced his resignation.
