Pétur says Icelandic society is too divided as EU vote stays close

Pétur Marteinsson, the Social Democratic Alliance’s city council leader, remains hopeful that a majority of Icelanders will vote to begin membership negotiations with the European Union, mbl.is reports.

“The mood is good, mainly because people have worked hard because they believe we are in a strong position to enter negotiations with the European Union. This matters so much to Icelandic society,” Pétur said at an election-night gathering for the yes side at Hafnarhúsið.

He said those supporting the vote believed Iceland’s interests could be better served within the European Union, while also acknowledging that the negotiations might not produce a favourable agreement.

“We are prepared not to get a good deal, but we have fought for the opportunity to see the agreement. That is why we are here and why we are celebrating,” he said.

Asked whether he was optimistic based on the figures released so far, Pétur said the result was very uncertain but that he remained hopeful.

“It is roughly 50-50. Although we are ahead now, so much remains to be counted. But this tells us that half the nation is very eager to see whether we can secure a good agreement,” he said.

Pétur said some groups in society were protecting their own interests, including financial interests. He argued that people with money benefited from the Icelandic króna, while those who owed money in krónur, including most Icelanders, lost out.

“The Icelandic króna is at stake in this campaign. That has not come through clearly enough,” he said.

Looking ahead to the debate that would follow the vote, regardless of the outcome, Pétur said he hoped people would be able to sit down and consider what should happen next.

“There is too much division in society, and we do not need that. We are all fighting for the same goals. We all want society to work, and we all want our interests to be considered,” he said.