Minister praises turnout in Iceland referendum

Environment, Energy and Climate Minister Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson said he was delighted by turnout in Iceland’s newly concluded referendum, while acknowledging that the result could go either way, mbl.is reported.

Jóhannsson spoke to mbl.is shortly after arriving at the yes campaign’s election-night event at Hafnarhús in Reykjavík.

“I am delighted with the turnout and with how willing the nation has been to make its voice heard,” he said. He added that he considered the debate substantive and constructive.

People from different parts of society had come forward, written articles and expressed their views, he said. In his view, it had been healthy for Icelandic society to hold this discussion in late summer about Iceland’s position in the world, cooperation through the European Economic Area and the European Union.

Regardless of the outcome, Jóhannsson said it would provide valuable guidance for ministers and all members of Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament.

“I think we will all be stronger as a result, and I feel that the discussions of recent weeks have shown that, as a nation, we can resolve major disagreements through dialogue and in an ethical manner,” he said.