Disputes remain in coalition talks

Fólkaflokkurin (the People’s Party), Sambandsflokkurin (the Union Party) and Miðflokkurin (the Central Party) have been in coalition talks since the 31 August election.

It appears that while the parties generally agree on many issues, ethical and fishery-related matters remain a stumbling block.

The fish auction continues to be a contested issue, with disagreements on whether it should be axed altogether and what should be done with the development quotas.

Chief negotiator tight-lipped

Perhaps the biggest barrier in the talks is the matter of same-sex marriage, which is one of the key topics for Miðflokkurin, a Christian-democratic party known for its traditionalist Christian stance on social issues.

Bárður á Steig Nielsen, leader of Sambandsflokkurin and chief negotiator, held his cards close to his chest yesterday:

”I will be talking to the Speaker of the House about our plans before I speak to the media,” he said.

Translated by prosa.fo