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Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson accused of lying in new book controversy in Iceland

Saturday 5th 2024 on 22:49 in  
Iceland

In a recent issue of Morgunblaðið’s Reykjavik Letter, former President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson has been accused of lying following the release of his new book, which draws from his diary entries during his presidency. The book contains harsh criticisms of Davíð Oddsson, former Prime Minister of Iceland and current editor of Morgunblaðið. Grímsson claims that Oddsson disregarded political norms and ethics during discussions of media laws and was involved in police and tax investigations. He likens the political climate to that of a “third-world country” where power and threats dominate.

The Reykjavik Letter, likely penned by Oddsson himself, openly condemns Grímsson for his writings, suggesting that some individuals struggle significantly to confront the truth, even when it is apparent. It mentions individuals who have been accustomed to having the truth bend to their narratives and implies a habitual distortion of facts in their favor.

In closing remarks, the letter references a traditional verse by Bóðvar Guðmundsson, indicating that Grímsson’s older writings merely serve as more audacious falsehoods rather than truths, particularly noting how sentiments shifted when the political leadership changed hands.

This unfolding situation highlights ongoing tensions within Icelandic politics, specifically between these two prominent figures, as they exchange barbs framed within their contrasting visions for the nation’s governance.

Source 
(via ruv.is)