Having announced earlier during his term that he would not seek re-election, the sitting Icelandic President, \u00d3lafur Ragnar Gr\u00edmsson, announced his intention to seek re-election. The President\u00a0explained his decision by referring to the uncertainty in Icelandic politics and the need for an experienced, knowledgable President to oversee the coming parliamentary election. In several interviews yesterday and today, I\u00a0gave my explanation for the President's decision. Fearing an unpalatable outcome in the next parliamentary election (the victory of the reform-minded Pirate Party) and disagreeing with the likely changes that a left-leaning coalition government headed by the Pirate Party would implement, the President seeks re-election to\u00a0hinder these changes, which includes changes to Iceland's fishery policy, changes regarding Iceland's application or membership of the EU, and changes to the Icelandic Constitution. The President's decision to seek re-election has consequently been supported by status quo-minded institutions. A Morgunbla\u00f0i\u00f0 editorial, for instance, urged the President to seek re-election earlier. Also, after the President's announcement yesterday, parliamentarians in the Progressive Party expressed their support, including the new Prime Minister, Sigur\u00f0ur Ingi J\u00f3hannsson.<\/p>\n
Yesterday's interviews:<\/p>\n
Having announced earlier during his term that he would not seek re-election, the sitting Icelandic President, \u00d3lafur Ragnar Gr\u00edmsson, announced his intention to seek re-election. The President\u00a0explained his decision by referring to the uncertainty in Icelandic politics and the need … Continue reading