Pétur Marteinsson quits Reykjavík efficiency group

Pétur Marteinsson, a Reykjavík city councillor for the Social Democratic Alliance, has left the city’s efficiency group, saying its work has moved too quickly and decisions have lacked sufficient analysis, mbl.is reported.

Marteinsson said in a social media post on Wednesday that he joined the group in the summer in good faith, hoping to help improve the city’s finances, make better use of public funds and simplify its administration.

But he said he was disappointed by the group’s work in recent months. He criticised extensive changes to the city’s administrative structure, the closure of operations and staff layoffs, saying he disagreed with many of the decisions and how they had been prepared.

More than 100 city employees were laid off in three rounds in June, August and October, after a new city majority took office following local elections in the spring.

Marteinsson said he had repeatedly argued that the work was moving too fast and that decisions were being made without enough consideration of alternatives or possible consequences. He said the city should have taken more time and, where possible, relied on normal staff turnover.

“There is a difference between efficiency measures and cuts,” he wrote, adding that closing services or reducing staff does not automatically improve efficiency. He said the city should assess actual savings, the effect on services and whether decisions could increase costs over time.

Marteinsson said he remained willing to work with the city majority on responsible financial management and practical improvements, but could not stay in the group while disagreeing with its approach on fundamental issues.