In a surprising turn of events Iceland plans its snap-election this weekend after the parliament break-up in Oct. The voting might change the nations EU stance for the first-time since 2013
The pro-EU parties are getting more backing than ever with current polls showing interesting numbers: about 45% of people support joining EU while 35% dont agree (and others still thinking about it). Bjarni Benediktsson the Prime Minister called for this election due to ruling coalition problems
The economy plays a big role in peoples minds — high costs-of-living and recent volcano issues are making citizens think about change. “The economic situation always drives the EU question“ explains Eirikur Bergmann from Bifrost University; he points out that high inflation and interest-rates make euro currency look attractive
Even though Iceland isnt in EU it already works with Europe through single-market deals and no-border travel zones. The Reform Party (one of the front-runners) wants an EU vote but their possible partners — Social Democrats — are more careful about timing
I dont want to lead a government into EU talks with such a close split
The two leading parties might get 40% of votes together which could mean big changes ahead. Jon Steindor Valdimarsson from the Liberal Reform Party thinks if they win an EU membership vote could happen within 4 years
The country has been here before:
* Applied to join EU in 2009 after money problems
* Stopped talks in 2013
* Now Ukraine war makes some think about stronger ally ties