MP says political interference at Landsvirkjun has increased

Political interference at Landsvirkjun has visibly increased since the minister was given the power to appoint all members of the company’s board, opposition MP Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson said in parliament, mbl.is reported.

Jóhannsson made the remarks after Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Daði Már Kristófersson delivered an oral report on Landsvirkjun. Dispute has surrounded the company’s board since its chief executive, Hörður Arnarson, left. The board had held several meetings without him, and Arnarson warned that political interference could leave the company unable to operate.

Jóhannsson said it was concerning that the minister appeared to take the debate lightly. He called on parliament’s Constitutional and Supervisory Committee to obtain all documents related to the matter and review them thoroughly.

He also said Kristófersson should explain why he had not provided the full account during a parliamentary question session on October 19, given information now known about the case. Opposition MPs have accused the minister of downplaying the disagreement between Arnarson and the board.

Jens Garðar Helgason, deputy leader of the Independence Party and a former Landsvirkjun board member, also criticised the minister. He said the involvement of the minister and officials in the board’s work was wholly abnormal, and accused Kristófersson of using arguments about good governance to conceal political interference. Helgason said he had not encountered such practices during his time on the board and that the minister bore significant responsibility for the situation.