Centre Party leader calls for Foreign Minister to be questioned over EU policy claims

Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, chairman of Iceland's Centre Party, believes it is time to summon Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir before the Althing's foreign affairs committee. He wants her to clarify her remarks regarding potential Icelandic exemptions from the European Union's common fisheries policy.

In a recent Facebook post, Gunnlaugsson stated that Gunnarsdóttir's previous appearances before the committee focused more on political rhetoric and misrepresentations than on providing genuine answers. He highlighted a significant issue where the Dutch government refuted claims made by Gunnarsdóttir. Specifically, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten reportedly denied stating that Iceland could receive exemptions or a permanent waiver from the EU's fisheries policy, contrary to Gunnarsdóttir's assertions.

Gunnlaugsson described the situation as "extremely serious," particularly given that the Dutch Prime Minister had to correct the Icelandic foreign minister. He also noted Gunnarsdóttir's critical comments towards Jetten's response in the Dutch parliament. "The foreign minister's reactions each time are aimed at attacking those who speak the truth about the EU and its nature," Gunnlaugsson wrote.

He questioned whether Gunnarsdóttir genuinely believed that casual conversations at a coffee machine or in an elevator constituted a formal declaration of permanent exemptions for Iceland from EU treaties. Gunnlaugsson also criticized the national broadcaster, RÚV, for allegedly failing to report on the Dutch Prime Minister's correction or the EU's conditions for Iceland's application. He asked if anyone truly believed Gunnarsdóttir told foreign politicians that the national referendum was solely about determining the EU's offer, rather than about membership itself.