Kristrún Frostadóttir confident as Iceland votes on EU talks

Icelandic news outlet mbl.is reports that Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir is optimistic as voters decide whether to continue discussions on the European Union.

“This is a good day. We have now reached the point where the decision is in the hands of the nation,” Frostadóttir said after voting at Álftamýrarskóli, a school in Reykjavík.

She said voters would either choose to enter the negotiations, seek a good agreement and decide later, or put discussions about the EU aside, at least for now.

“I am optimistic because I have faith in the nation. I know it will make the right decision. I will respect it, whatever it is,” she said.

Frostadóttir described the outcome as highly unpredictable but said it was exciting to see the high level of participation in the debate in recent days.

Asked how unity could be ensured after the vote, she said the country needed to approach the challenges ahead together, regardless of whether the result was yes or no.

If the result is yes, she said, the government would seek a good agreement, fight strongly for it, address people’s concerns and consider their hopes, wishes and opportunities. Voters would then have another chance to say yes or no, she said.

If the result is no, Iceland would continue with the projects already under way, Frostadóttir said.