People’s Party may split over EU application withdrawal

The People’s Party could split over its position when Iceland’s parliament considers a proposal to formally withdraw the country’s application to join the European Union, Morgunbladid reports. Morgunbladid journalist Andrés Magnússon said at least two of the party’s MPs are likely to support the proposal, leaving party leader Inga Sæland facing a difficult decision.

Andrés made the remarks in a discussion with Morgunbladid journalist Andrea Sigurdardóttir on the Spursmál programme, following the referendum on whether Iceland should continue its EU accession talks. Some 52.8 per cent of voters opposed continuing the negotiations, while 47.2 per cent supported it.

The leader of the Independence Party has subsequently announced that a proposal will be submitted to Parliament to formally withdraw the membership application.

Andrea said the situation was particularly difficult for the People’s Party because opposition to Iceland joining the European Union is part of the party’s platform. Inga Sæland had also previously submitted a similar proposal to withdraw the application.

“If she were now to maintain the government’s position and simply say, ‘No, we will not approve this,’ the party’s credibility with voters who oppose the European Union, and that is expressly in the party platform, would be gone,” Andrea said.

She also pointed out that the People’s Party’s support has fallen significantly in opinion polls. Although the party’s voters now appear more positive towards the European Union than before, she said it should be remembered that some of its previous voters have left the party.

Andrea questioned whether voters who were most firmly opposed to EU membership had moved elsewhere because of the People’s Party’s participation in the government.

The People’s Party has nine MPs. Guðmundur Ingi Kristinsson was previously a member of the party but is now unaffiliated.

Andrés agreed that the party would face a significant problem if a withdrawal proposal were put before Parliament.

“I think that if such a proposal is considered, the People’s Party will certainly have a problem. I think it will split over it, at the very least,” Andrés said.

He specifically mentioned MPs Eyjólfur Ármannsson and Sigurjón Þórðarson, saying he expected both to support withdrawing the application.

“Eyjólfur, however, is simply very firmly opposed, and he would support a proposal to withdraw it,” Andrés said. He added that Sigurjón Þórðarson held the same position.

The biggest question concerns Inga Sæland’s own position. She supported the continuation of the talks in the referendum.

Andrés nevertheless said it was not impossible that she would support withdrawing the application. He interpreted her support for the yes side as an effort to honour the agreement reached when the government was formed.

“This was conceded to Viðreisn; it was part of a deal in exchange for something else,” Andrés said.