Infrastructure Minister Eyjólfur Ármannsson this week announced unilateral budget cuts to Iceland’s Loftbrú program, presenting the changes without prior consultation with residents in rural areas. The decision prompted immediate criticism, with Vísir and other outlets highlighting the lack of promised engagement with those most affected by the change.
Earlier this year, Ármannsson told reporters that nothing would be changed to the Loftbrú scheme without consulting residents in rural areas. The minister said, “Earlier this year, Infrastructure Minister Eyjólfur Ármannsson said nothing would be changed to Loftbrú without consultation with residents of the countryside,” according to Vísir and Bæjarins besta. However, according to these outlets, no consultation took place before the recent announcement.
The media outlets claim that the minister’s actions broke his public promise and constitute a betrayal of countryside residents. Critics argue the change damages trust between government officials and the communities the Loftbrú program serves. It is not yet known whether Ármannsson has responded to these criticisms or clarified the process behind the decision.
Sources
Links: sudavik.is · snerpa.is
- Vísir (first reported) in Icelandic
- Bæjarins besta in Icelandic
