Iceland: New Prime Minister
On Monday, June 5th, the Prime Minster of Iceland, HE Mr. Halldor Asgrimsson, announced his decision to step down from the office of Prime Minister. A new Prime Minister, the current Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geir H. Haarde, who is as well the chairman of the Independence Party, will take office on Thursday June 15th. Concurrently there will be a change in cabinet postings. A few ministers will step aside, some sill change ministries and new ministers will come into the Government.
As of noon June 15th the Governmetn of Iceland will consist of the following:
From the Independence Party:
Prime Minister: Geir H. Haarde
Minister of Finance: Arni M. Mathiesen
Minister of Education, Culture and R&D: Þorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir
Minister of Justice and Ecclestical Affairs: Björn Bjarnason
Minister of Fisheries: Einar K. Gudfinnsson
Minister of Communication and Transportation: Sturla Bödvarsson
From the Progressive Party:
Minister for Foreign Affairs: Valgerdur Sverrisdottir,
Minister of Agriculture: Gudni Agustsson
Minister of Health: Siv Fridleifsdottir
Minister of Social Affairs: Magnus Stefansson
Minister of the Environment: Jonina Bjartmarz
Minister of Trade and Industry: Jon Sigurdsson
Valgerdur Sverrisdottir will be the first woman to serve as Minister for Foreign Affairs in the history of the Republic of Iceland.