Government Change

Prime Minister Halldór Ásgrímsson announced outside of Parliament yesterday evening that Geir H. Haarde, chairman of the Independence Party and current Foreign Minister, will officially become Prime Minister this Thursday. But that isn't the only change coming to a government that's already changed three times in as many years.

Ásgrímsson told reporters, "It's been a difficult task deciding who is to be in what position, but I kept in mind what would be the proper way of conducting the matter. I tried my best to resolve the situation for the best of everyone."

Minister of Social Affairs Jón Kristjánsson and Minister for the Environment Sigríður Anna Þórðardóttir, both of whom are from the Independence Party, will also be vacating their posts, to be replaced by Progressives Magnús Stefánsson and Jónína Bjartmarz, respectively. Current Minister of Industry and Progressive Party member Valgerður Sverrisdóttir will take Haarde's current position to become the new Foreign Minister. Replacing her current position will be Central Bank chairman Jón Sigurðsson.

When asked if the frequent changes to the line up of the ruling coalition was a sign of a troubled government, Haarde responded, "The government will stand its ground. It was decided that the Progressive Party, that is to say, Halldór Ásgrímsson, would take the Prime Ministership in 2004. And if he choses to resign, then it goes back to the way it was before the elections."

Other cabinet appointments are expected later this week. - pfn