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Iceland PM resigns following Panama Papers leak – media
Icelandic
Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson has been seen running
from the country's parliament, with some reports suggesting the
politician has resigned.
RT,
5
April, 2016
The
PM held a meeting at the parliament on Tuesday, where he announced
his decision, local media reported.
The
resignation still needs the approval of his coalition Independence
Party and President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson.
The
news of the PM's departure was delivered to the press by Minister of
Agriculture and Fishing Sigurour Ingi Johannsson, who is reportedly
in line to take over the position, according to the Financial Times.
Gunnlaugsson
first tried to seek the dissolution of parliament, but his request
was turned down by President Grimsson.
Ásta Helgadóttir
The
Icelandic politician is believed to be the first victim of the
massive offshore holdings leak known as the Panama Papers. According
to the revelations, Gunnlaugsson concealed millions of dollars worth
of family assets when he and his wife set up a company in the British
Virgin Islands, reportedly in an attempt to evade paying taxes.
In
the light of the massive leak, Iceland's left-wing opposition has
presented a motion of no confidence in the center-right coalition
government headed by Gunnlaugsson.
Thousands
of people took to the streets in the capital Reykjavik on Monday,
demanding impeachment and new elections. The protest in front of the
parliament was said to be the biggest in the country's history, with
more mass demonstrations having been planned for later on Tuesday.
Earlier
on Monday, Gunnlaugsson told the parliament he would not resign amid
the protests linked to his alleged financial affairs, which
potentially represent a conflict of interest.
"I
have not considered quitting because of this matter nor am I going to
quit because of this matter," the PM told parliament, as quoted
by AP. The defiant politician then added that his government "has
had good results... and it is important that [it] can finish its
work."
Another
resignation linked to the leaked data was announced this week, when a
regional head of Transparency International, an organization that
seeks to monitor and root out corporate and political corruption
worldwide, stepped down. Gonzalo Delaveau, the president of the NGO’s
Chilean branch, has resigned, Reuters reported. Although he was not
directly implicated in illegal activity by the Panama Papers, the
documents showed Delaveau was linked to at least five offshore
companies.
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