The global economic crisis claimed its first government yesterday when Iceland's ruling coalition collapsed amid a cacophony of popular protest.
The Government of Geir Haarde, the Prime Minister, resigned en masse after days of mounting anger over the country's financial meltdown.
The protests, which began peacefully after the nationalisation and overnight bankruptcy of Iceland's three main banks, turned violent last week with the nation experiencing its worst riots in 60 years.
At their height 32,000 people � more than 10 per cent of Iceland's population � took to the streets of Reykjavik banging pots and pans in what came to be known as the "Household Revolution".
The final collapse of the Government came after talks between the two coalition partners failed over who would lead a new administration. Mr Haarde, the leader of the Independence Party, said that he planned to seek a government of national unity with all parties in parliament to lead the country into fresh elections.
"I really regret that we could not continue with this coalition," he said. "I believe that that would have been the best result." Icelanders did not agree. The Government's approval rates � 72 per cent a year ago � stood at 20 per cent last week.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5594348.ece
