(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The Social Alliance (SF) stands to become the biggest political organization in Iceland, according to a poll by Frettabladid. 33.6 per cent of respondents would support the party in the next election to the Diet.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The Social Alliance (SF) stands to become the biggest political organization in Iceland, according to a poll by Frettabladid. 33.6 per cent of respondents would support the party in the next election to the Diet.
The Left-Green Alliance (VG) is second with 27.8 per cent, followed by the Independence Party (SSF) with 24.8 per cent, the Progressive Party (FSF) with 6.3 per cent, and the Liberal Party (FF) with 4.3 per cent.
Icelandic voters renewed the Diet in May 2007. Final results gave the Independence Party 36.6 per cent of the vote and 25 seats, followed by the Social Alliance with 26.8 per cent and 18 mandates. Independence Party leader Geir Haarde retained his post as prime minister, and Social Alliance leader and former Reykjavik mayor Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir took over as foreign minister.
Iceland has been severely affected by a domestic economic crisis. Earlier this year, the country’s three major banks—Glitnir, Landsbanki and Kaupthing—collapsed following setbacks in their refinancing plans. The Icelandic krona has lost 35 per cent of its value against the euro. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and individual countries have provided $10 billion U.S. on loans to Iceland.
On Nov. 28, Haarde—who has been criticized for a perceived lack of regulation of the banking sector—ruled out stepping down from his post, declaring, "I can understand that people are angry and frustrated with the situation that has developed here. But as far as I personally am concerned I look at it as my main objective and my main challenge now to lead the country through the crisis. (…) I cannot take responsibility for the actions of the commercial bankers."
Polling Data
Which party would you vote for in the next election?
|
Social Alliance (SF) |
33.6% |
|
Left-Green Alliance (VG) |
27.8% |
|
Independence Party (SSF) |
24.8% |
|
Progressive Party (FSF) |
6.3% |
|
Liberal Party (FF) |
4.3% |
Source: Frettabladid
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 800 Icelandic adults, conducted on Nov. 22, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
