The Central Bank of Iceland was the scene of protests this morning over the Bank and the FME financial regulator’s joint proposal for how to deal with foreign currency indexed car loans, recently ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. Protesters believe the proposal is the best possible for the banks and the worst possible for indebted customers.
Protesters gathered with pots, pans and vuvuzelas to make as much noise as possible; but central bank employees insisted the peaceful protest was having no effect on their workday.
A motorbike was driven gently four or five times into the locked door of the Central Bank, with no appreciable damage done, and police in riot gear were deployed. Three lorries were also used to block the busy road past the Bank.
However, after most protesters felt they had got their point across to the Bank and the media and left, a hardcore group remained.
The protest turned slightly violent around 13.30 when one man was arrested and singer Ellen Kristjansdottir was sent to hospital with an injured arm. The singer, sister of famous singer KK, blamed unnecessary police force for her injury. Asked why she attended the protest, she said she has had enough of the authorities’ inactivity on important issues.
