Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, the chairwoman of Viðreisn and Iceland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has acknowledged Guðbrandur Einarsson’s resignation, saying he took responsibility for his actions.
She was candid about it not being easy — especially when it involves someone she had counted on as a reliable colleague.
Guðbrandur stepped down as a Member of Parliament after Vísir published revelations about an attempt he made to purchase prostitution back in 2012.
Late Afternoon Revelations
Þorgerður learned of Guðbrandur’s situation late in the day yesterday, when Sigmar Guðmundsson, the chairman of Viðreisn’s parliamentary party, called to tell her. She then spoke with Guðbrandur directly.
“This is undoubtedly a challenging situation,” she said. “However, he has made a significant decision, one I believe to be the right one. His priority now is to care for his family and those closest to him.”
Asked directly about what triggered all this — the attempt to buy prostitution — she kept her answer tight. “Let me be clear: Guðbrandur faced a tough decision, yet he accepted responsibility without delay.”
A Call for Respect
Þorgerður was clear that Guðbrandur’s decision to resign deserves respect. “It is essential to acknowledge that he is leading this process and has taken responsibility for his actions.”
Looking Forward, Not Backward
Guðbrandur has held various public roles since 2012, including positions within local government and in Alþingi.
“I prefer not to dwell on the past,” Þorgerður said. “What matters is how he is responding to the present situation. He is stepping up by making the right but challenging choice.”
When asked whether this episode could damage the reputation of Viðreisn, the government coalition, or Alþingi more broadly, she didn’t brush the question off. “It’s never a welcome occurrence when such matters arise,” she said. “Guðbrandur himself desires a sense of trust and calm among the work of the government and its members.”
Personal Impact
Pressed on whether she felt this personally, Þorgerður didn’t hide it. “Absolutely, it’s disheartening. Nevertheless, the manner in which he has handled this speaks volumes about his responsibility. I am always in search of trustworthy and reliable colleagues, so this situation is certainly disheartening.”
