MP calls government response to referendum result a wet rag

MP Diljá Mist Einarsdóttir has sharply criticised the Icelandic government’s response to the referendum result, describing it as like having a wet rag thrown in the face of voters and the Icelandic public, mbl.is reported.

She said debate over Protocol 35 following the election was misleading, noting that the protocol was enacted as part of the European Economic Area Agreement in 1994.

“It is now clear what the government meant when it repeatedly said the referendum result should be respected,” Einarsdóttir said. “The result was only to be respected if it was a yes.”

It has since emerged that the EFTA Surveillance Authority, known as ESA, is taking legal action against the Icelandic state over Protocol 35.

Einarsdóttir dismissed the renewed coverage of the issue, saying the dispute over further interpretations of the EEA Agreement had been ongoing for years and was no more urgent now than before.

She accused the government of failing to consider what the public was asking for and of using its energy for political games and manoeuvring.

Former minister Björn Bjarnason said that after voters had rejected a proposal to begin European Union membership negotiations, politicians were now preparing to argue over Protocol 35.

“On the contrary, we should unite to resolve this disagreement,” Bjarnason said, adding that the debate was based on a misunderstanding.