Víðir denies leaving meeting angry

Víðir Reynisson, an MP for the Social Democratic Alliance, says he did not leave a heated meeting with local officials angry, contrary to a report by mbl.is.

The meeting was held on Wednesday with representatives of municipalities in Flói and the upper districts of Árnessýsla, as part of parliament’s constituency week. Local leaders strongly opposed government plans to raise value-added tax on bathing lagoons and introduce fees at tourist destinations.

Reports cited by mbl.is said Víðir left without saying goodbye after facing criticism. He said the meeting had been very good and that he left only to take a personal phone call in his car. He said he said goodbye to people sitting near him and was not unhappy with any of the local officials.

Víðir said it was important for MPs to hear directly about the issues facing municipalities. Concerns raised at the meeting included the planned VAT increase, an infrastructure charge and the state of the economy.