REYKJAVIK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A popular Icelandic minister on Sunday called for the dismissal of Central Bank head David Oddsson over the ailing country's monetary policy.
Speaking on Icelandic television, Social Affairs Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said there was a need to review Iceland's monetary policy, and 'part of that would be a change of directors' at the central bank.
When asked if she wanted Oddsson out, she said: 'I think a change is necessary.'
Calls for Oddsson to resign have grown as Iceland's banks and currency have collapsed, with some 200 people protesting outside the bank earlier this week, but Sigurdardottir is the first minister to call for his resignation.
Iceland's Prime Minister Geir Haarde has thus far stood behind the central bank, saying it enjoys the government's confidence. Oddsson is a former prime minister and close ally of the current premier.
(Reporting by Omar Valdimarsson; Writing by Brett Young; Editing by Sami Aboudi) Keywords: FINANCIAL/ICELAND MINISTER tf.TFN-Europe_newsdesk@thomson.com ak COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2008. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Thomson Financial News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Financial News.
Speaking on Icelandic television, Social Affairs Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said there was a need to review Iceland's monetary policy, and 'part of that would be a change of directors' at the central bank.
When asked if she wanted Oddsson out, she said: 'I think a change is necessary.'
Calls for Oddsson to resign have grown as Iceland's banks and currency have collapsed, with some 200 people protesting outside the bank earlier this week, but Sigurdardottir is the first minister to call for his resignation.
Iceland's Prime Minister Geir Haarde has thus far stood behind the central bank, saying it enjoys the government's confidence. Oddsson is a former prime minister and close ally of the current premier.
(Reporting by Omar Valdimarsson; Writing by Brett Young; Editing by Sami Aboudi) Keywords: FINANCIAL/ICELAND MINISTER tf.TFN-Europe_newsdesk@thomson.com ak COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2008. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Thomson Financial News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Financial News.