Greenland’s shift towards independence grows as opposition party secures victory

Greenland’s pro-business opposition party, Demokraatit, has secured victory in March 11 highly scrutinized parliamentary elections, defeating the ruling left-wing coalition in a vote shaped by U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge to bring Greenland under U.S. control.

Demokraatit, which advocates for a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, won 29.9% of the votes — marking a sharp rise from 9.1% in the previous election, Caliber.Az reports, citing international media.

The pro-independence Naleraq party followed with 24.5%, highlighting the ongoing debate over Greenland’s sovereignty.

Since assuming office in January, Trump has emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland to U.S. security interests and expressed his desire to make it part of the United States—an idea that has been largely rejected by Greenlanders.

With a population of just 57,000, Greenland has become a focal point in the geopolitical struggle for dominance in the Arctic. Melting ice caps are unlocking valuable resources and new shipping routes, attracting increased military activity from both Russia and China.

"People want change ... We want more business to finance our welfare," said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Demokraatit and a former minister of industry and minerals.

"We don't want independence tomorrow, we want a good foundation," he added, stressing the need for economic growth before breaking ties with Denmark.

Nielsen will now enter coalition talks to form a new government, while the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party and its ally Siumut, both of which also support a gradual path to independence, saw their combined vote share plummet from 66.1% in 2021 to just 36%.

A former Danish colony, Greenland has been a self-governing territory since 1979, although Copenhagen still controls its foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy. Denmark provides Greenland with nearly $1 billion annually to support its economy.

In 2009, Greenland was granted the right to declare full independence through a referendum, but concerns over economic sustainability have prevented such a move.

"I strongly believe that we will very soon start to live a life more based on who we are, based on our culture, based on our own language, and start to make regulations based on us, not based on Denmark," said Qupanuk Olsen, a candidate from Naleraq, which seeks swift secession.

Meanwhile, Inge Olsvig Brandt, a candidate from the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit, argued that Greenland was not yet ready for independence.

"We don't need independence right now. We have too many things to work on. I think we have to work with ourselves, our history, and we are going to have a lot of healing work with us before we can take the next step," she stated.

Trump’s controversial stance on Greenland played a significant role in the election. Initially, he refused to rule out military force to assert U.S. influence, a stance that alarmed many Greenlanders. However, he later softened his approach, stating that he would respect the will of the local people and was “ready to invest billions of dollars” if Greenland chose to join the U.S.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has been firm in rejecting Trump’s proposal, advocating instead for a broad coalition government to resist external pressure. In an interview with Danish broadcaster DR, he dismissed Trump’s offer as “disrespectful” and expressed openness to cooperation with other countries instead.

Denmark’s prime minister has also reiterated that Greenland is not for sale but acknowledged that its future lies in the hands of its people.

All six of Greenland’s main political parties support eventual independence but differ on the timeline and approach. The election saw Naleraq gaining traction, fueled by U.S. interest in Greenland and renewed criticism of Denmark’s historical exploitation of its mineral resources.

Naleraq believes Washington’s focus on Greenland strengthens its negotiating position with Denmark and has pledged to push for a referendum on independence before the next election in four years.

By Tamilla Hasanova