Greenland’s push for independence grows stronger, says PM

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has called for the island to pursue full independence from Denmark in his New Year's speech, reigniting debates over the territory's future.

Greenland, the world’s largest island with around 57,000 residents, was once a Danish colony and became a self-governing territory in 1979. Since 2009, it has had the right to seek independence through a referendum.

In his speech, Egede, who represents the pro-independence Community of the People (IA) party, stated that the relationship with Denmark has not achieved true equality, Caliber.Az reports via foreing media.

"The history and current conditions show that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not succeeded in creating full equality," Egede remarked. "It is now time for our country to take the next step." He emphasized the need to overcome what he described as the "shackles of colonialism" to move forward, much like other independent nations.

Egede’s comments come in the wake of US President-elect Donald Trump's repeated interest in purchasing Greenland, a proposal first voiced in 2019. In response to Trump’s latest remarks, Egede firmly stated last week, "Greenland is not for sale and will never be for sale."

The independence movement in Greenland has gained momentum partly due to past misconducts by Danish authorities, such as the controversial forced contraception campaign during the 1960s and 1970s. Egede has suggested that a referendum on independence could coincide with Greenland's parliamentary elections in April.

“Work has already begun on creating the framework for Greenland as an independent state,” he explained. “It is necessary to take major steps. The upcoming election period must, together with the citizens, create these new steps.”

Greenland, which is rich in mineral, oil, and natural gas resources, currently relies on Denmark for substantial financial support, receiving annual subsidies of about €500 million. Strategically, it is also of great importance to the United States, hosting a significant US Air Force base.

In response to Trump's comments about purchasing the island, Denmark has announced plans to increase defense spending on Greenland by at least €1.3 billion. However, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen remarked that the timing of this move was merely an "irony of fate."

By Tamilla Hasanova