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Panama Papers: Fisheries minister announces he’s Iceland’s new PM

Click to play video: 'Iceland’s prime minister resigns amid Panama Papers scandal'
Iceland’s prime minister resigns amid Panama Papers scandal
WATCH ABOVE: Iceland's prime minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson officially resigned on Thursday after alleged involvement in the Panama Papers scandal. Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson has taken over as new prime minister – Apr 7, 2016

REYKJAVIK, Iceland — Iceland’s fisheries minister emerged from the president’s residence Thursday and announced he has become the island nation’s new prime minister after days of political turmoil.

Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson told reporters that he had secured President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson’s formal backing after his predecessor resigned because of embarrassing links to an offshore account.

WATCH: Iceland PM walks out on interview after being questioned about Panama Papers allegations
Click to play video: 'Iceland PM walks out on interview after being questioned about Panama Papers allegations'
Iceland PM walks out on interview after being questioned about Panama Papers allegations

“This is a good thing” that will allow the center-right governing coalition to continue its policies, he said.

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“This is of course an exciting opportunity, but it’s under bizarre circumstances,” said Johannsson, a 53-year-old who has combined his work as a veterinarian with his political career. “It is me as prime minister, but it’s important to be humble. It is a big task ahead to boost the confidence in politics and politicians. ”

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“We have been in bad cases before and we got through it,” he said.

WATCH: ‘We’re a laughing stock’ says Iceland MP in wake of PM’s attempt to dissolve government
Click to play video: '‘We’re a laughing stock’ says Iceland MP in wake of PM’s attempt to dissolve government'
‘We’re a laughing stock’ says Iceland MP in wake of PM’s attempt to dissolve government

But his coalition faces a stiff challenge in parliament from opposition parties that are demanding an immediate election.

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The opposition introduced a no-confidence measure Monday aimed at then-Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, who has since resigned, but now propose a vote against the entire coalition government.

Gunnlaugsson has denied doing anything illegal and said he and his wife — also linked to the offshore account — paid all their taxes. He plans to remain in parliament and keep his post as party chairman.

A small group of protesters gathered outside the president’s residence Thursday while the new prime minister and other Cabinet ministers were inside — but there was no sign of the rousing protests held in Reykjavik for the last three days.

WATCH: Thousands rally in Iceland after release of Panama Papers ignites controversy for PM
Click to play video: 'Thousands rally in Iceland after release of Panama Papers ignites controversy for PM'
Thousands rally in Iceland after release of Panama Papers ignites controversy for PM

 

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