Kristrún says Iceland will face swift decisions after EU referendum

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir told mbl.is that “a lot will happen” over the next one to two days, regardless of the outcome of Iceland’s referendum on opening membership negotiations with the European Union.

The vote count showed an extremely close result, making it impossible to predict which side would prevail at the time of the interview.

“This is of course very exciting and impossible to say at this point,” Kristrún said.

She said the strong turnout was one of the main points she would take from the referendum. High participation cannot be taken for granted in referendums, she said, adding that the turnout showed people valued the opportunity to express their views.

Kristrún said the government had fulfilled its promise to allow the public to give its opinion on the process.

If the result is no, the government will assess the situation and discuss whom it should meet first. It is also expected to consult the parliament’s foreign affairs committee and move the process forward through normal channels.

If the result is yes, the government will also need to meet, appoint a negotiating team, set a timetable, speak with the European Union and complete certain formal steps.

Kristrún said she was pleased with how the vote had proceeded, noting that many people had participated and that public engagement had led to very strong turnout. She declined to predict the final result.