Writer apologises to culture minister after angry remarks

Writer Gunnar Helgason has apologised to Culture Minister Logi Einarsson for angry comments about the government’s handling of Bókasafnssjóður, mbl.is reports. He softened his criticism after the government indicated that additional funding would be available.

Helgason wrote on Facebook that he had sent an angry message about the government’s conduct after the budget bill was presented. He said he had told the culture minister to “go jump up in” and had told the prime minister and foreign minister to be ashamed.

He said he later appeared on Bylgjan and was calmer as he explained that his rudeness was intended to provoke a response. Children’s book authors had repeatedly had to fight for Bókasafnssjóður, their authors’ rights and the protection of property rights, he wrote.

Helgason referred to an announcement that 150 million Icelandic krónur would be allocated to strengthen the Icelandic language.

“This can be described as a peace pipe from the government,” he wrote. “However it came about, an outstretched hand has now been offered and I do not intend to strike it. I therefore want to apologise for my rudeness. I especially apologise to Logi. Logi Einarsson, I am sorry.”