Iceland review - 2016, Page 20

18 ICELAND REVIEW
DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT DISORDER
After the Panama Papers claimed the job of
Iceland’s former prime minister, Sigmundur Davíð
Gunnlaugsson, public calls for elections were loud
and only grew when a ‘new’ government took over
which was almost identical to the old one. Tempers
were placated with the promise of elections this
autumn instead of next summer. No date has
yet been set. The Pirates maintain a strong but
shrinking lead in the polls (28 percent), followed
by the Independence Party (19.7 percent). The
Left-Greens are gathering steam (17.5 percent)
with the new Reform Party* placing fourth (9.7
percent). Support for the PM’s Progressive Party is
dropping (9.5 percent), while the Social Democrats
are looking at a slight upturn (9 percent). Bright
Future looks set for a poor showing (4.5 percent).
* Founded and chaired by Iceland Review publisher
Benedikt Jóhannesson.
News Roundup
AS WE GO TO PRINT, ICELAND HAS JUST ELECTED A BRAND-NEW PRESIDENT (SEE PAGE
32) AND THE ICELANDIC MEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM HAS MADE HISTORY AND NEW FRIENDS
IN EQUAL MEASURE AT THE 2016 UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP (SEE PAGE 92). HERE,
WE COVER A FEW OTHER NOTABLE SNIPPETS FROM MAY AND JUNE’S HEADLINES.
BOARDING BLUES
While there is always a spare bed available somewhere in Iceland,
that is not always the case in the south and tours are being can-
celed and changed as a result. The annual rise in visitor numbers is
far outpacing the rise in the number of hotel beds in the country,
and the situation will be compounded by legislation passed on
June 1, limiting the rental of any room or apartment on Airbnb
for more than 90 days a year, without paying hotel tax. It’s prob-
lematic news for the burgeoning tourism industry, but a welcome
boost to locals who feel short-term rentals are pricing them out
of the market.
Protest outside parliament following the Panama Papers revelations.