Iceland's PM refuses to resign over Panama Papers scandal

[webfact]

Iceland's PM refuses to resign over Panama Papers scandal



REYKJAVIK: -- Under mounting pressure from the opposition, Iceland’s Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson is adamant he has no plans to resign over the Panama Papers leaks.

He and his wife, Anna Sigurlaug Palsdotti, are alleged to have hidden millions of dollars in investments behind secretive offshore company Wintris, which they bought in 2007 and operates from the British Virgin Islands.

Gunnlaugsson entered parliament in 2009 without declaring an interest in the company.

Eight months after he entered parliament, his wife bought his share of the company for one dollar. It was allegedly then used to invest millions in inherited money.

“Now I’m starting to feel a bit strange about these questions because it’s like you’re accusing me of something taciturn,” he said in an interview recorded in March, but aired on Sunday (April 3).

According to court records, Wintris had heavily invested in three major Icelandic banks which collapsed during the financial crisis.

Wintris was listed as a creditor to the banks and therefore could have stood to gain from their collapse. Gunnlaugsson’s opponents allege his reluctance to fully repay the deposits of foreign investors following the bankruptcies amounts to a conflict of interest.

If he had fully repaid, it could have negatively affected both the Icelandic banks and the value of the company’s bonds.

The opposition have called for a confidence vote in parliament. Despite their protests, all signs suggest the prime minister would survive the ballot.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-04-05

[godden]

Just another thieving politician.

[Katipo]

I doubt Iceland will stand for this. He'll be gone within a couple of weeks. Hopefully the domino effect will take hold and we'll see a whole bunch of them fall. Not holding my breath for the more corrupt countries though.

[zaZa9]

It will make no difference to them.

They will still have their money and still be invited to sit on the boards of other enterprises ...

[shirtless]

People of the world have been taken as fools we dont need these rich bastards ruling our lives

[trogers]

Is he building a mansion in Dubai?

[djayz]

Just another thieving politician.

Nothing new... they're ALL the same the world over.

[Ulic]

Time to go.............Off to the penalty box, hang your head and feel shame.

[Baerboxer]

Didn't declare his assets - tut, tut, sounds familiar. Then sold them for $1 to wifey.

Surely not declaring is fraud, unless an honest mistake of course.

He can, presumably provide proof of where all this money came from?

The conflict of interest is separate. But he looks in deep poo on that one.

Wonder if the US, UK, Aussie, Ukraine, Russia and Thailand will all follow up on their citizens included in this info?

Don't think China will, too dangerous!

[Basil B]

Just done a "U" turn...

>>> RESIGNED <<<

First of many heads to roll.

[TheCruncher]

Just done a "U" turn...

>>> RESIGNED <<<

First of many heads to roll.

Lets hope his resignation doesn't stop the investigation. All these greedy bastards have to be fully investigated and convicted to the letter of the law. I feel a third world war has just come closer.

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