Iceland anti-EU group draws crowd at Austurvöllur rally

Áfram Ísland held a rally at Austurvöllur square on Friday in support of solidarity and the belief that Iceland’s future is best secured outside the European Union, mbl.is reports.

The meeting was well attended and had a positive atmosphere. Icelandic flags were prominent at the square, where people of all ages gathered ahead of Saturday’s vote.

Speakers included Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Auður Eir Vilhjálmsdóttir, Sigríður María Egilsdóttir and Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir. Representatives of X-Nei, a youth group opposing EU membership, also addressed the meeting: Illugi Gunnarsson, Hrafn Splidt Þorvaldsson and Salma Björk Önnudóttir.

Halldór Benjamín chaired the meeting. Katrín Jakobsdóttir and Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir were among those who spoke, while pastor Auður Eir Vilhjálmsdóttir also addressed the crowd.

The organisers said Iceland’s interests were better served outside the European Union. The meeting took place in fine weather, with a distinctly national atmosphere at Austurvöllur.