Brussels – In one of the most decisive periods in its history, Greenland has chosen its representatives in the latest parliamentary elections, confirming a clear desire for independence from Denmark, of which it is an “autonomous territory.”
As the Greenlandic public broadcaster KNR reported today (March 12), the vote rewarded the Democratic Demokraatit party, which, compared to the previous election in 2021 (where it had achieved just 9 percent of the vote), was confirmed as the leading party, with 30 percent, followed by the Nationalist Naleraq party, which also grew, from 12 percent in 2021 to 25 percent this morning. Both parties have been in opposition in the previous legislature and are committed to independence. However, if Naleraq calls for it more quickly and advocates greater cooperation with the United States, the Democrats, led by 33-year-old Jens-Frederik Nielsen, describe themselves as “social liberals” and prefer a more gradual transition.
The results have not been formally approved, but 99 percent of the votes have already been counted. “We did not expect the election to have this outcome,” Nielsen said of the victory. “Greenland needs us to remain united at a time of great external interest. We need unity, so we will negotiate with everyone.” The threats of annexation by US President Donald Trump, who said he was ready to welcome the people of the Danish autonomous territory under his jurisdiction, played a role in the turnout at the polls, which was higher than usual. The local government banned foreign political funding to avoid foreign influence in the elections.
Despite expectations, the vote did not reward the Inuit parties, Atassut and Siumut. While the former, given as the favorite by projections in recent weeks, got 7.3 percent of the vote, the big loser turned out to be Siumut, which, from being the first party on the Island, suffered a halving compared to 2021, getting only 15 percent of the vote. Party leader and Greenland Prime Minister Mùte Egede acknowledged the result and the defeat: “We have the worst result ever. I take full responsibility.” The dissatisfaction of much of the native Inuit (who make up 90 percent of the population) with the pace of the independence process may have been influential in this reversal.
Being the largest party, Demokraatit now has the right to start negotiations with the other parties to form a new government. Nielsen has already extended his hand to Naleraq, “We have not excluded them. Our country needs us to stay united.” Among the hot topics Greenland’s new parliament will face, in addition to the Trump issue and independence, is the central — and divisive — issue of using its very rich, untapped mining deposits, which could make separation more sustainable in a country whose economy depends on Danish government subsidies.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
