Icelanders demanded the resignation of their prime minister yesterday in record numbers, following revelations that PM Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson has ties to a company on Tortola. The existence of the company came to light after a leak from a notorious law firm in Panama. Police have never seen such a large crowd on Austurvöllur square, in front of the parliament building. The number of protesters is estimated to have reached 22,000 in a country of 330,000 people.
Voters’ confidence in the government has plummeted and there is a feeling that the prime minister has lost all trustworthiness. In an interview on Station 2 TV yesterday, he stressed he had no intention to resign and expressed no regrets about his financial affairs. His only regret was his “pathetic” performance in a TV interview where he was first approached about the issue, and where he walked out when the questions became uncomfortable.
The demonstration was peaceful. Speeches were given and protesters shouted “Incompetent government!” and “Sigmundur, resign!”
Eggs and bananas were thrown at the parliament building, and one man was arrested prior to the demonstration for throwing skyr, an Icelandic dairy product, at the building.
The following photos were taken by our photographer Páll Stefánsson during yesterday’s protest.
A dark cloud was hanging over PM Sigmundur as he spoke in parliament prior to the demonstration.
Goodbye, Sigmundur!
Mistrust, Dissolution, Elections
Betrayal of Independence Party
There were lies, deceipt and theft. Enough!
Land for sale, my land, surrounded by blue waters.
Progressive Party, f… you!
