Iceland marks historic day amid fears for the future

Anger and anxiety were the dominant emotions as Iceland marked the 90th anniversary of autonomy amid dire economic prospects. Thousands of people used the occasion to vent their fury against the government over the country’s economic meltdown

The three main banks collapsed in October as the country fell victim to the global financial crisis.

The north Atlantic island finally won full independence from Denmark in 1944. Its people had been proud of their country’s impressive economic record but now face an uncertain future.

With their currency in freefall and inflation and unemployment soaring, protestors made their feelings clear at the central bank.

Many blame the government for failing to see the signs of impending disaster.

Polls suggest the traditionally independent-minded Icelanders now back the idea of joining the EU and adopting the euro to regain stability in their lives.

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