Lilja praises young campaigners after referendum polls close

Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, leader of Iceland’s Progressive Party, said she had a good feeling about the referendum result after polling stations closed, mbl.is reported. She spoke to the news site at the Áfram Ísland campaign group’s election-night gathering.

Lilja said she was especially pleased with the young people who had worked with the group during the campaign. According to the latest Gallup poll, 60% of people under 29 planned to vote against restarting talks with the European Union.

“The latest polls show that our young people have won the minds and hearts of others, and I think it matters so much that young people have a clear and strong opinion on this,” Lilja said.

“So whatever happens, this is a victory for our young people and the tremendous progress they have achieved,” she added.

Lilja said the debate about the European Union had deepened considerably in recent times.

“People who have truly been passionate about this issue have thrown themselves into the campaign, and we will see how it ends. First, second and third, I am proud of our young people,” she said.