Prime Minister Resigns - The first victim of Panama Papers

Words by

Paul Fontaine

@pauldfontaine

Published April 5, 2016

Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson will resign as Prime Minister of Iceland.

Minister of Agriculture and Fishing Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson told RÚV just moments ago that Sigmundur has resigned as the Prime Minister. This move still needs the approval of the Independence Party, and the President, before being official.

Sigmundur will remain on as chairperson of the Progressive Party, and Sigurður Ingi will take his place as Prime Minister. Sigurður said that they want to continue their partnership with the Independence Party, and do not recommend early elections at this time.

However, Independence Party chairperson Bjarni Benediktsson is currently meeting the President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson to discuss the current situation.

Sigurður has publicly defended the Prime Minister since the Panama Papers story broke, going so far as to defend the use of offshore accounts by saying, “It is complicated to have money in Iceland.”

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