Hope to form a government before Christmas
Inga Sæland talked to mbl.is about the status of the government formation. mbl.is/Karítas
There is a lot of trust between the leaders of the Social Democratic Alliance, the Liberal Reform Party, and the People's Party. It would take something unusual to happen for the parties to fail to form a government. Inga Sæland, the leader of the People's Party, hopes that a government will be formed before Christmas and she believes discussions on the division of ministries may begin tomorrow.
This is what Inga says in an interview with mbl.is.
"There is an incredible amount of trust and love between us and we enjoy talking to each other. We feel good together and I am optimistic and smiling. Something unusual would have to come up for this to go wrong," Sæland says.
Many commonalities
Kristrún Frostadóttir, the leader of the Social Democratic Alliance, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, the leader of the Liberal Reform Party, and Sæland met today.
She says that there are many commonalities but does not want to discuss what the issues of disagreement are at this time.
Last week it was reported that the chairmen had discussed EU issues. Asked what the outcome was, Sæland says that those issues are not up for discussion at this stage.
"We are still working on the issues, so there is no reason to discuss them further here," she says.
Inga Sæland, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir and Kristrún Frostadóttir working at Sæland's home last weekend.
It would be wonderful to form a government before Christmas
A source told Morgunblaðið today that government formation talks could be concluded before Christmas
Do you believe that you will form a government before Christmas?
"Of course, it would be wonderful. One can dream about it and be optimistic about it. I am just optimistic and I am hoping so, until something else becomes clear," Sæland says.
Ministries' positions possibly discussed tomorrow
Sæland says that they have not discussed the ministries’ positions but that discussion might take place tomorrow. First and foremost, the issues and common ground were discussed.
"I think we'll take a look at it tomorrow," she says when asked whether the division of ministries has been discussed.
There will be compromises
One of the People's Party's election promises was to raise the tax-free threshold to ISK 450,000 for low-income individuals. But if this government between these parties is formed, would it become a reality?
"I hope so. I'm hoping that it will last for four years, that's the goal at least and I hope so. It is my firm belief that we have many good things to do, all of these parties, for a better future for the country and the nation," Sæland says, adding:
"Sometimes it seems to be forgotten that these are three political parties, not one. It is obvious that when that happens, compromises are everywhere. It doesn't matter what the party is called.”
Another promise was to guarantee disabled people and senior citizens ISK 450,000 a month tax-free.
Do you think that can become a reality in this government?
“There is nothing impossible, nothing. There is nothing impossible in my mind. It is just the will that is needed,” she answers.
Working groups join the talks
Tomorrow, working groups will join the government formation talks, where they will work on major issues such as the economy, healthcare, and housing.
“We are hoping that we can go far with the working groups this week, we will just have to see. This is a lot of work, this is not like baking cookies for Christmas,” Sæland concludes.
