Greenland's pro-business opposition party, Demokraatit, secured a major victory in parliamentary election, defeating the incumbent left-wing coalition. With all ballots counted, Demokraatit garnered 29.9% of the vote, a significant increase from 9.1% in 2021.
This placed them ahead of the opposition Naleraq party, which supports rapid independence, with 24.5% of the vote.
The election came amid growing international attention, especially due to US President Donald Trump's controversial proposals regarding Greenland's future. Since taking office in January, Trump has repeatedly called for Greenland to be integrated into the United States, citing its strategic importance to US security. This idea has been largely rejected by Greenlanders, who are proud of their identity and wary of outside influence.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the leader of Demokraatit, emphasised that while the island seeks greater autonomy, it does not want immediate independence. "We want a good foundation before moving forward," he said, stressing the importance of boosting the local economy to finance social welfare. Nielsen is now set to hold talks with other parties to form a coalition government.
The ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party, which also advocates for a gradual approach to independence, won 36% of the vote, a sharp decline from 66.1% in 2021. Prime Minister Mute Egede of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party expressed respect for the election outcome and stated that he would engage in coalition discussions with an open mind.
Greenland, a former Danish colony, has enjoyed increased autonomy since gaining its first parliament in 1979. While the island controls many domestic affairs, Denmark still manages foreign relations, defense, and monetary policy, providing significant financial support to Greenland's economy. Despite winning the right to seek full independence in a 2009 referendum, Greenland has not yet taken that step, citing concerns over potential economic instability.
The election also saw a rise in support for the pro-independence Naleraq party, which advocates for a rapid path to secession from Denmark. Party candidate Qupanuk Olsen expressed confidence that Greenland will soon begin living in a way that is true to its Inuit culture and language, emphasizing the importance of self-determination.
While many Greenlanders support independence, opinions are divided on the timing. A January poll suggested that most inhabitants favor independence but are concerned about the economic and social risks associated with a swift transition.
Trump's vocal interest in Greenland has sparked growing fears of US imperialism, overshadowing frustrations with Denmark's colonial past. Many Greenlanders have expressed concern that joining the US could jeopardize their social welfare systems, including universal healthcare and free education.
"We don't want to be part of the US for obvious reasons—healthcare and Trump," said Tuuta Lynge-Larsen, a bank employee in Nuuk. "We don't like the attention, to put it short."
Greenland holds significant natural resources, including rare earth minerals crucial to high-tech industries such as electric vehicles and defense systems. However, extracting these resources has been slow due to environmental concerns and challenges posed by severe weather and China's dominance in the sector.
In response to Trump’s proposals, which included the potential for military intervention, Greenland’s leaders have reiterated that the island is not for sale. Prime Minister Egede has dismissed Trump's offer as disrespectful and emphasized that Greenland would prefer to cooperate with other nations rather than succumb to external pressure.
All six main political parties in Greenland support eventual independence, though they differ on the approach and timeline. Naleraq, buoyed by US interest and accusations of Denmark’s historical exploitation of Greenland's resources, believes that Trump's attention strengthens their position in negotiations with Denmark. The party aims to bring a secession deal to a vote within the next four years.
As the island continues to navigate its path toward greater autonomy, Greenlanders remain steadfast in their desire for self-determination, with a clear message to the world: Greenland is not for sale.
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