Arnaldur Grétarsson accepts defeat in ASÍ presidential vote

Arnaldur Grétarsson says voters were not ready for change after he lost the election for president of the Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ), mbl.is reports. He received nearly 44% of the vote, while Georg Páll Skúlason was elected.

Grétarsson said he was disappointed to lose but considered the campaign between the candidates fair. He suggested Skúlason’s experience and more formal approach, as well as his more conservative view of ASÍ, may have influenced voters.

Asked about discussion of Efling leaving ASÍ, Grétarsson said he had never believed the threat would become reality. He said the risk appeared to be declining and that such threats had rarely led to significant action.