Icelanders appear to be almost evenly divided when it comes to whether or not the trial of former prime minister Geir H. Haarde should continue.
Geir stands accused of mismanagement and neglect during his time in office, contributing to the 2008 economic collapse. Last fall, the chairman of the Independence Party, Bjarni Benediktsson, submitted a proposal calling for the trial to be dropped altogether. The proposal has enough support from some members of the ruling coalition to make it a real possibility of passage.
When it comes to where the people stand on the question, a new poll shows a virtually even divide, Eyjan reports.
The poll, conducted by Stöð 2 and Fréttablaðið, shows that 44.4% want the trial to continue its course, while 43.5% want to see the matter dropped.
As might be expected, political demographics show quite a difference. Respondents who ally with the Leftist-Green party were the most in favour of the trial continuing, with 74.1% believing it should carry on. Social Democrats were also mostly in favour, at 67.5%. At the same time, most conservatives – about 75% – believe the trial should be ended now, as was also the case with 60.5% of Progressives.
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