Enthusiastic about his new post

Bjarni Benediktsson, the outgoing Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, says he is “full of enthusiasm and anticipation” to take up his post in the Foreign ministry.

Article on Iceland Monitor

Benediktsson and Gylfadóttir change seats

The chairmen of the government parties, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson and Bjarni Benediktsson, announced at a press conference in Edda today that Bjarni, the outgoing Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, would replace Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

After the opinion of the Parliamentary Ombudsman on the sale of the government’s stake in Íslandsbanki was published, Bjarni resigned. He did not agree with the opinion.

He resigned to “create peace”

After speaking with many members of the coalition and colleagues in the government, Benediktsson said that his resignation was about “creating peace” in the government. After talking with many members of the coalition and colleagues in the government, he said that “there is no other option for the chairman of the Independence Party” to keep the constitution and keep the government working.

“I’m full of enthusiasm and I’m looking forward to going into that arena,” Benediktsson said after announcing his chair-change with Gylfadóttir.

“There are big projects waiting. It is important to protect Iceland’s interests internationally, especially now that we have some of the most violent times we have experienced in a long time,” he added.

“I am convinced in my heart that we can achieve results for the nation,” he concluded.