Iceland's Government Collapses Over Claims That The Prime Minister's Father Tried To Clear A Pedophile's Name

Icelandic prime minister Bjarni Benediktsson speaks in parliament. Photograph: Geirix/Reuters

BBC: Iceland government collapses over paedophile furore

A furore over a paedophile's links to PM Bjarni Benediktsson has led to the collapse of Iceland's ruling coalition.

The Bright Future party said it was leaving the three-party coalition after nine months in office, blaming a "serious breach of trust".

Mr Benediktsson said the country should hold elections as soon as possible, preferably in November.

Earlier it emerged the PM's father wrote a letter recommending a convicted paedophile have his "honour restored".

This old Icelandic system permits convicts to have certain civil rights restored - enabling them to run for public office, qualify for certain government jobs or serve as an attorney or solicitor, for example - if three

letters of recommendation from persons of good character are provided.

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More News On The Collapse Of Iceland's Government

Iceland PM calls snap election after coalition party quits over 'breach of trust' -- Reuters
Iceland’s center-right government collapses as member quits -- Washington Post/AP
Iceland's PM calls snap election after government collapses -- FRANCE 24
Icelandic PM calls snap election due to child sex abuse scandal -- The Independent
Iceland's government collapses following bid by PM's father to clear the name of a paedophile who raped his step-daughter daily for 12 years, prompting snap election -- Daily Mail
Row over sexual abuse letter brings down Iceland’s government -- The Guardian
Chaos in Iceland after prime minister's father tries to clear pedophile's name -- New York Post