Iceland's Left, Centre To Seek New Coalition Government

REYKJAVIK, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Oct, 2016 ) - Iceland's four left-wing and centre opposition parties announced on Thursday they had reached an agreement to form a coalition ahead of a snap election which they are on course to win.

The anti-establishment Pirate Party, the Left-Green Movement, the Social Democrats, and the centrist Bright Future released a joint statement ahead of Saturday's poll. "We think the cooperation of these parties would be a clear alternative against present government parties, which could create a new opportunity for Icelandic society," the parties said.

"On the basis of this we believe there is ample reason to explore the possibilities of forming a majority government if we get the authority to do so in the upcoming elections." The outgoing coalition consists of the centre-right Progress Party, which was dealt a blow after its former prime minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson quit over the Panama papers scandal, and the right-wing Independence Party, which is in a near-tie with the Pirate Party, according to latest polls.