| Author (Person) | Leruth, Benjamin |
|---|---|
| Series Title | The Conversation |
| Series Details | 04.04.16 |
| Publication Date | 04/04/2016 |
| Content Type | Journal | Series | Blog |
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According to documents leaked from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca in April 2016 after an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, several Icelandic politicians, former bankers and government advisers had links to anonymous offshore companies. Among them, were three members of the Icelandic government: the prime minister, Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, the finance minister, Bjarni Benediktsson and the interior minister, Ólöf Nordal. The release of the Panama Papers in April 2016 would have an impact around the world, the author suggests. But the situation in Iceland deserved particular attention. Thousands of Icelanders protested on the 4 April 2016 calling on the Prime Minister to resign, following the allegations that he benefited from offshore holdings in tax havens. Mr Gunnlaugsson offered his resignation on the 5 April 2016 after initially resisting pressure to step down. Some reports on the 6 April 2016 suggested that he had only temporarily stepped aside as Prime Minister and that he would remain chair of the Progressive Party. However, it was confirmed later on the 6 April 2016 that Iceland's new prime minister would be Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson and that new elections would be brought forward to the autumn of 2016. Further protests took place, notably on the 9 April 2016, when thousands of protesters in Reykjavik called for immediate elections. However, the Icelandic parliament had rejected an opposition motion of no confidence in the reshuffled government on the 8 April 2016. |
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| Source Link | http://theconversation.com/with-pirates-on-the-horizon-icelands-government-may-not-survive-the-panama-papers-57236 |
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| Countries / Regions | Iceland |
