Iceland's new female-led government to decide EU future via vote
Iceland has established a new government that will decide on resuming negotiations with the European Union through a referendum.
The agreement to form Iceland's new government was signed by women - the leaders of three parties: the Social Democratic Alliance, the liberal Revival, and the People's Party. Kristrun Frostadottir from the Alliance will become Prime Minister, with key positions held by Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnlaugsdottir and Inga Saeland.
The new government plans to repair public finances, strive for low interest rates, and enhance healthcare and housing accessibility. Additional goals include introducing a tourism tax and aligning immigration policy with Nordic standards.
The coalition agreement states that by 2027, a referendum will be held to resume negotiations on Iceland's European Union membership, which were interrupted in 2015.
In the early elections on November 30, the Alliance won with 20.8 percent of the votes, securing 15 seats. The Independence Party received 19.4 percent of the votes, while Revival garnered 15.8 percent.
The new parliament will convene in mid-January, and reducing the number of ministries from 11 to 10 is expected to lead to savings. These decisions aim to stabilize Iceland's economic situation.
