Reykjavík lays off 50 city staff
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Reykjavík is reducing its central administration by 74 positions, starting with the immediate dismissal of 50 employees. Among them is a staffer of 19 years, who was offered psychological counseling alongside her termination notice. It is a familiar municipal rhythm: the city budget requires a smaller workforce, and the workforce is notably less enthusiastic about the requirement.
The proposed sale of the national fiber optic network, Ljósleiðarinn, has met similar resistance. Critics compare selling the network to privatizing the roads; city councilor Skúli Helgason is now calling for an independent assessment of how the sale would affect competition, public interest, and national security before any papers are signed.
Sveinn R. Eyjólfsson, an entrepreneur who shaped the domestic media for decades, has died. Separately, authorities have clarified that no one can be held responsible for the accidental deaths of three brothers of Ívar Arnar, noting that a nine-year-old child is not legally liable for such a tragedy.