Iceland ? Facing serious health problems and an economic crisis, Prime Minister Geir Haarde called Friday for early national elections, making his government a dramatic victim of the financial calamity gripping much of the globe.

The move was welcomed by opposition leaders who said the public is still demanding the government resign immediately.

Haarde, faced with mounting daily protests, said he plans to call elections on May 9. He said he would not seek re-election because doctors found a malignant tumor in his throat last week.