Nuuk: Greenland’s Demokraatit party, which supports a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, has emerged victorious in Tuesday’s parliamentary election. The party, which emphasizes economic growth, secured 29.9% of the vote, marking a significant increase from 9.1% in the previous election.
Trailing behind was the opposition party Naleraq, which strongly advocates for rapid independence, garnering 24.5% of the vote. While all major political parties in Greenland support the idea of eventual independence, they differ in their approaches and timelines. A poll in January showed that while most Greenlanders support the idea of sovereignty, opinions remain divided on when to pursue it.
The election was largely influenced by US President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland for strategic reasons. Trump has argued that the island is vital to US security, though his proposal has been met with resistance from the local population.
Greenland, home to just 57,000 people, has become a focal point in the geopolitical race for control of the Arctic, where melting ice is exposing valuable resources and opening new shipping routes. Russia and China have also been increasing their military presence in the region.
Demokraatit leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen, a former minister of industry and minerals, said the election outcome reflects a desire for economic progress. “People want change. We need to strengthen our economy before we can consider independence,” he told reporters in Nuuk.
Following the election, Nielsen will work on forming a governing coalition. Meanwhile, the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party and its coalition partner Siumut, both of which also support a gradual move toward independence, suffered losses, securing a combined 36% of the vote—down significantly from 66.1% in 2021.
Prime Minister Mute Egede of Inuit Ataqatigiit acknowledged the results, stating on Facebook that he respects the voters’ decision and is open to coalition negotiations.
Greenland, a former Danish colony, gained self-rule in 1979, though Denmark still controls its foreign affairs, defense, and currency. The island receives nearly $1 billion in annual subsidies from Copenhagen, which has led to concerns that full independence could harm living standards.
Despite these economic concerns, pro-independence sentiment remains strong. Naleraq candidate Qupanuk Olsen expressed optimism about Greenland’s future. “I believe we will soon shape our own society, based on our culture and language, instead of being governed by Danish regulations,” Olsen said.
However, others argue that Greenland is not yet ready for full independence. Inge Olsvig Brandt, a candidate from Inuit Ataqatigiit, emphasized the need for social and economic development first. “We have a lot of work to do before we can take the next step,” she said.
This election also highlighted growing unease over Trump’s interest in Greenland. During a televised debate, all parliamentary leaders expressed distrust in the US president’s intentions. “He is trying to influence us, and that is concerning,” said Erik Jensen, leader of the Siumut party.
The campaign initially focused on historical grievances with Denmark, but according to political analyst Julie Rademacher, fears of US interference have become a bigger issue. Many Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the US, citing concerns over healthcare and welfare systems. “We don’t want to be part of the US for obvious reasons,” said Nuuk resident Tuuta Lynge-Larsen.
Greenland holds significant untapped mineral resources, including rare earth elements crucial for modern technologies. However, extraction has been slow due to environmental concerns, harsh conditions, and China’s dominance in the sector.
Trump has previously suggested using military force to acquire Greenland but later softened his stance, saying he would respect local wishes and invest billions of dollars if the island joined the US. Greenland’s government has firmly rejected any sale, with Egede emphasizing the need for political unity against external pressure.
Denmark has reiterated that while Greenland is not for sale, its people have the right to determine their own future. Meanwhile, Naleraq hopes to leverage US interest to strengthen Greenland’s bargaining position with Denmark and aims to bring an independence vote before the next election.
