Daði says Viðreisn group has never been more united

Finance Minister and Viðreisn deputy leader Daði Már Kristófersson says the party’s parliamentary group has never been more united, following Jón Gnarr’s departure from the group. He made the comments to mbl.is after a cabinet meeting, as debate has continued over dissatisfaction and alleged cliques within the party.

“My impression is quite the opposite: I think the parliamentary group has never stood closer together than it does right now,” Daði said, adding that he had felt this strongly in his dealings with fellow MPs.

He said challenges were normal in political parties, just as in other workplaces, and argued that Viðreisn had shown it could address them. “Over the past few weeks, I have felt that we can do that,” he said.

Daði said the government’s work inevitably tested unity within the party. Turning around the state budget deficit after a prolonged period of what he described as a degree of lack of restraint required unpopular measures, he said, adding: “We have taken on that task.”

Asked about criticism from within the party’s grassroots, including from Lovísa Oktovía Eyvindsdóttir, chair of its Northeast regional council, Daði said it was important for members to speak up. He said her criticism had played a part in the infrastructure minister’s decision to review planned changes to Loftbrú.

“It is important that the grassroots speak up and can influence the government,” he said.

Daði said he did not recognise claims of clique formation within Viðreisn. He said the party needed to ensure its procedures were clear and open, with decisions made transparently.

He also praised new parliamentary group chair Pawel Bartoszek, describing his decision-making as steady and sensible. The party was working to maintain a good atmosphere, Daði said.