A recent episode of the cartoon series The Simpsons brings us to Iceland. Finally.
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Iceland’s new government formally took power today following a state council meeting at Bessastaðir, the presidential residence.
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Watch an audio slideshow of how traditional Icelandic rhubarb stew is made. Rhubarb is one of the few vegetables that grows effortlessly in Iceland and for that reason it used to be a highly-valued addition to the traditional diet of fish and lamb.
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The counting of votes in Saturday’s national referendum on the draft Constitution of the Constitutional Council was completed late yesterday evening. The majority of voters said ‘yes’ to all six questions on the ballot. Turnout was 48.9 percent.
Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament. Photo by Páll Kjartansson.
The final results are as follows:
1. Do you wish the Constitution Council’s proposals to form the basis of a new draft Constitution?
Yes: 66.3%
No: 33.7%
2. In the new Constitution, do you want natural resources that are not privately owned to be declared national property?
Yes: 82.9%
No: 17.1%
3. Would you like to see provisions in the new Constitution on an established (national) church in Iceland?
Yes: 57.1%
No: 42.9%
4. Would you like to see a provision in the new Constitution authorizing the election of particular individuals to the Alþingi more than is the case at present?
Yes: 78.4%
No: 21.6%
5. Would you like to see a provision in the new Constitution giving equal weight to votes cast in all parts of the country?
Yes: 66.5%
No: 33.5%
6. Would you like to see a provision in the new Constitution stating that a certain proportion of the electorate is able to demand that issues be put to a referendum?
Yes: 73.3%
No: 26.7%
In all questions but one did voters follow the recommendations of the Constitutional Council: in question number 3 on the national church. The Constitutional Council had not included a provision on an established church in their draft for a new Constitution.
Click here to read more about the results.
ESA
This year, Iceland Review celebrates its 50th anniversary. In ‘Cover Story’, the magazine’s first editor, Haraldur J. Hamar, recalls its history and discusses the work of its first designer, Gísli B. Björnsson. The issue is packed with colorful articles, ranging from notable artists and athletes to memorable coffee and pancakes at the Reykjavík wharf. Click here to subscribe to Iceland Review and here to look at a selection of pages from the current issue.
REVIEWS
The 11th Reykjavík Shorts & Docs. Catch it while it lasts!
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Artist couple Nína Ivanova and Ómar Smári Kristinsson explain why they decided to settle in the West Fjords’ capital.
Reykjavík Queer Choir’s annual spring concert takes place on Friday, May 24.
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