New Icelandic Government formed
A Government of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Left-Green Movement takes office today. It aims to assure an effective administration to carry out urgent measures, particularly for the benefit of households and business, for rebuilding the banking system, in the field of administrative reform and to carry out measures in favour of increased democracy.
The economic policy of the Government will be based on the programme already established by the authorities and the International Monetary Fund, IMF. The Government will conduct a prudent fiscal policy according to which the fundamentals of the welfare system will be protected.
The two parties agree on the importance of holding early elections, set for 25 April 2009. The Progressive Party will defend the Government in the event of motions of no-confidence.
Ten ministers will take seat in the new government, five men and five women. Two of the ministers are not members of parliament.
Prime minister of the new government is Johanna Sigurdardottir of the SDA.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Industry, Energy and Tourism: Ossur Skarphedinsson, SDA
Minister of Social Affairs and Social Security. Asta Ragnheidur Johannesdottir, SDA
Minister of Communications: Kristjan Moller, SDA.
Minister of Finance, Fisheries and Agriculture: Steingrimur J. Sigfusson, LG
Minister of Health: Ogmundur Jonasson, LG
Minister of Education, Science and Culture: Katrin Jakobsdottir, LG
Minister for the Environment: Kolbrun Halldorsdottir LG
Minister of Business Affairs: Gylfi Magnusson.
Minister of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs: Ragna Arnadottir