Inga Sæland says Landsvirkjun board bears full responsibility

Education and Children’s Minister Inga Sæland says the board of Landsvirkjun, an energy company, is fully responsible for the company’s affairs relating to the departure of former chief executive Hörður Arnarson. She said the board works independently and that Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Daði Már Kristófersson has no role in its work, according to mbl.is.

Sæland made the comments in response to a question from Progressive Party MP Stefán Vagn Stefánsson in parliament on Wednesday. He asked about conflicting accounts of Kristófersson’s communications with the board and the former chief executive, and whether she would push for all documents in the case to be released.

Sæland said she trusted parliament’s Constitutional and Supervisory Committee to clarify the matter, while stressing the board’s independence. “The board of Landsvirkjun is independent, and I think it bears full responsibility for the situation as it stands today,” she said.

Stefán Vagn said he was surprised by her position and asked whether the board should lead the appointment of a new chief executive before the disagreements had been fully explained. Sæland did not answer directly, but reiterated that the finance minister did not interfere with the board’s work, including its agendas or meeting notices.

She said the matter should be fully clarified. “I think the board is responsible here, but everything must come to light, and I fully support that,” she said.