In the following article, you can easily find the parallels between what is happening in Iceland and the undemocratic role that our own politicians have taken for themselves. Not one that we have given them, or allowed them, but one that they have take…

First of all, while the idea of an appointed caretaker body may sound like a panacea, it’s problematic in practice. This would involve the stepping down of an elected government, (albeit one which has made serious mistakes), to be succeeded by one (however temporary) which would be unelected with a shaky mandate at best. Moreover, who would be charged with appointing this body, and based on what criteria?

Second, as was correctly noted in comments above, the faults of the current Icelandic parliamentary structure can be regrettably quite common among governments using a proportional representation system. Some PR coalition governments work very well, and others are hopelessly nonviable, but the difference frequently comes down to the professionalism and competance of those who govern rather than the structure itself. And yes, non-PR parliamentary systems also have their share of shortcomings (see “Britain, Great”).

I too am really hopeful that all this mess can be solved quickly and successfully, but care should be taken that the cures are not worse than the diseases.

What is the constitutional role of the Parliamentary Speaker, whom Njörður want’s to be elected nationally? For all I read the current office holder seems to be focused only on the execution of the parliamentary routine, nothing else.

I really hope, the level of violence on either side will not escalate. And I hope that substantial changes for the better are coming soon.