Iceland on brink of 'national bankruptcy' over bank crisis
Icelandic stocks have taken a pounding since the OMX resumed trading. Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Tuesday October 07 2008
Iceland's Prime Minister has given a televised speech warning that the country faces possible "national bankruptcy" due to the global financial crisis.
Geir Haarde made the comments last night following a day of panic on stock markets across the world.
Iceland is particular exposed to the financial crisis as its banking sector totally dwarves the rest of the economy.
The situation has led to soaring inflation and a massive fall in the value of the Icelandic krona.
The Government has introduced emergency legislation giving it sweeping new powers over the financial sector in an effort to stave off a total economic collapse.
