Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, the chairwoman of Viðreisn and Iceland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has acknowledged Guðbrandur Einarsson’s resignation, emphasizing that he has accepted responsibility for his actions.
In an candid reflection, she noted that incidents like these are never easy, particularly when they involve someone she considered a dependable team member.
Guðbrandur stepped down as a Member of Parliament after revelations from Vísir surfaced regarding an attempt he made to purchase prostitution back in 2012.
### Late Afternoon Revelations
Þorgerður learned of Guðbrandur’s predicament late in the day yesterday when Sigmar Guðmundsson, the chairman of Viðreisn’s parliamentary party, reached out to inform her.
She later engaged in a direct conversation with Guðbrandur about the issue.
“This is undoubtedly a challenging situation,” she remarked. “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.”
But when confronted about the underlying cause of this turmoil—that very attempt to buy prostitution—she opted to sidestep speculation. “Let me be clear: Guðbrandur faced a tough decision, yet he accepted responsibility without delay.”
### A Call for Respect
Þorgerður reiterated her view that Guðbrandur’s choice 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.
Expressing her thoughts on the matter, Þorgerður stated, “I prefer not to dwell on the past. What matters is how he is responding to the present situation. He is stepping up by making the right but challenging choice.”
When asked about the potential repercussions of this incident on the reputation of Viðreisn, the government coalition, and Alþingi as a whole, she acknowledged the situation’s gravity. “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
When pressed on whether she was personally affected by the situation, Þorgerður conveyed her disappointment. “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.”
