Greenland’s ruling party announces plans for independence referendum after Trump’s acquisition bid

Greenland’s ruling Siumut party has announced plans to hold a vote on independence following the general election next month, a move prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring the island.

The semi-autonomous territory, which forms part of the Kingdom of Denmark, called for a general election on February 5, to take place on March 11, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Key issues in the upcoming election include Greenland’s aspirations for independence and its evolving relationship with both Denmark and the United States under Trump, who has repeatedly voiced a desire to “get” the strategically significant island.

Once a Danish colony until 1953, Greenland now enjoys extensive self-governing rights. Siumut, a member of Greenland’s two-party coalition government, intends to invoke a clause in a 2009 law that granted the territory greater autonomy, including the right to negotiate full independence. Doris Jensen, the party's political spokesperson said that Greenland must achieve independence from Denmark in order to negotiate its future.

"Until our country achieves the status of an independent state, our opportunities to officially participate in negotiations will be limited," she explained.

Erik Jensen, the leader of Siumut, told Danish broadcaster DR that he expects the vote on independence to take place “within the next election period,” though he did not provide further specifics. Elections are held every four years in Greenland.

While all five political parties in the Greenlandic parliament have opposed the idea of the island joining the United States, a recent opinion poll revealed that 85% of Greenlanders are against it, with nearly half viewing Trump’s interest as a threat.

Greenland, rich in untapped mineral resources, is economically reliant on fishing and grants from Denmark. Jensen stressed that any decision on independence must be made with a full understanding of the consequences.

"It must be on an informed basis, so that the population is not in doubt about the consequences. We have a welfare society that must function. We have some economic aspects that we also need to look at," he stated.

Siumut holds 10 seats in Greenland’s 31-seat parliament, while Naleraq, the third-largest party in the country, has also expressed a desire to cut ties with Denmark immediately.

By Aghakazim Guliyev