Iceland's new President Gudni Johannesson off to France for the football

Historian Gudni Johannesson has claimed victory in Iceland’s presidential election.

Gudni Johannesson claims victory in Iceland’s presidential election https://t.co/uCSTJqQMbepic.twitter.com/uCFnIMCMCR

— Global Issues Web (@globalissuesweb) June 26, 2016

The newcomer to politics defeated businesswoman Halla Tomasdottir.

His election comes amid a general disenchantment with the political elite.

Johannesson said he would be a unifying president.

The ballot went ahead despite ten percent of the Icelandic population being in France for the euros.

Iceland celebrating with their fans
BRILLIANTPICTURE! pic.twitter.com/MEd15pgYJn

— Kop-Ice (@kopice86) June 22, 2016

The new president said his first job would be to fly to France to support his country against England on Monday.