The Panama Papers investigation has prompted a swift global response in the 24 hours since more than 100 media organizations began publishing and broadcasting stories, including official investigations opened around the world, mass protests in the streets of Iceland’s capital and an immediate censorship drive in China.
Thousands of Icelanders took to the streets of Reykjavik on Monday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson following the disclosure by ICIJ, Reykjavik Media, and Suddeutsche Zeitung that he and two members of his cabinet had owned or controlled secret offshore shell companies.
On Tuesday, Iceland’s president refused a request from Prime Minister Gunnlaugsson to dissolve parliament and call snap elections, according to the Guardian.
After initially refusing to step aside, Gunnlaugsson tendered his resignation on Tuesday afternoon. At the time of writing, his departure had yet to be agreed by his parliamentary peers or the country’s president, according to the Guardian. READ MORE
