Recently a very controversial deal was made between Icelandic energy company HS Orka, and Canadian company Magma Energy, which many Icelanders have interpreted as the effective auctioning off of Iceland’s natural energy resources to a foreign company. The deal is expected to impact the lives of generations to come.

World-famous Icelandic singer Björk Guðmundsdóttir and some of her companions have requested a thorough review of the so-called “Magma issue” (or for the purposes of this article, Magmagate). Amongst those who have put also their name to the request are author Oddný Eir Ævarsdóttir, architect Jón Þórísson and special advisor to the nation Eva Joly.

In the submission, it is said that in light of how the course of events leading up to the sale and signing of the contract took place, and because they were controversial and lacked transparency, it is important that an ombudsman for the Alþingi conduct a review to find out whether the public’s best interests have been sufficiently protected.

The ombudsman would also investigate whether the government has handled the affairs legally and following the relevant procedures.

The submission goes on to say that the issue is an enormous one for the Icelandic public, and that those decisions which have been taken over the sale of energy resources will affect the current generation of Icelanders and those to come.

The full submission, in Icelandic, can be found on Morgunblaðið’s website.

Source: mbl.is
Photo: erinc salor

Labels: Björk, Energy, Magmagate