Inga Sæland declines to say if Daði belongs in cabinet

Education and Children’s Affairs Minister Inga Sæland declined to say whether Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Daði Már Kristófersson should remain in office, as allegations that he repeatedly made false statements about the departure of former Landsvirkjun chief executive Hörður Arnarson are under review. She made the comments in response to a question from Independence Party MP Ólafur Adolfsson during an unscheduled question session in Parliament, mbl.is reported.

Ólafur accused Daði of lying three times about the matter, both in Parliament and in the media. He cited the minister’s comments about Landsvirkjun board meetings, his explanations for Hörður’s departure and his claims that all relevant documents had been submitted.

Asked whether someone who had behaved in that way should hold a ministerial post, Inga said Parliament’s Constitutional and Supervisory Committee had decided to launch an inquiry into the matter. She said she trusted the committee to investigate and gather the requested information, adding that she had no basis to comment at this stage.

Ólafur said her response did not answer his question and again asked whether a minister who repeatedly lied should remain in office. Inga declined to take a position, saying it would be irresponsible to endorse his allegations. She noted that Daði had repeatedly said he acted in good faith and reiterated that she wanted to await the parliamentary inquiry’s findings.