Iceland opposition 'wins election'

Independence party leader Bjarni Benediktsson looks likely to become prime minister in the new government
 

Gunnlaugsson (l) and Benediktsson look set to form a government coalition

 Centre-right opposition parties in Iceland are set for a return to power with most votes counted after Saturday's parliamentary election.

With two-thirds of votes tallied, the Independence party had 26.5% and the Progressive party 22%, putting them on track for nearly 40 of the 63 seats.

The ruling Social Democrats are trailing with 13.5%.


It is a dramatic comeback for the parties widely blamed for Iceland's near-economic collapse in 2008.

Iceland saw its prosperity evaporate, as the country's three banks collapsed, and the Social Democrats came to power a year later, with a programme of austerity tailored to international lenders' requirements.

"The Independence party has been called to duty again," said leader Bjarni Benediktsson, who looks likely to become prime minister in the new government.

"We've seen what cutbacks have done for our healthcare system and social benefits ... now it's time to make new investments, create jobs and start growth," he said.
Source: BBC Posted by Unknown 4/28/2013