Greenland’s Center-Right Opposition Wins Election Amid Trump’s Renewed Interest
Greenland’s pro-business opposition party, Demokraatit, won Tuesday’s parliamentary elections, securing 29.9% of the votes—up from 9.1% in 2021. The party advocates a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, contrasting with the opposition Naleraq party, which calls for swift secession and finished second with 24.5%.
The election was shaped by US President Donald Trump’s renewed pledge to bring Greenland under American control, a move widely rejected by Greenlanders. Despite widespread support for eventual independence, concerns over economic sustainability and US influence remain key issues in the debate.
Trump’s push for Greenland’s integration into the US has heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, where Russia and China are also expanding their influence. Greenland’s vast resources, including rare earth minerals, make it strategically valuable. Demokraatit’s leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, emphasized that the party seeks economic growth before independence, saying, “We want more business to finance our welfare.” The ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party, which also favors a slow path to independence, saw its support decline to 36% from 66.1% in 2021. Prime Minister Mute Egede acknowledged the election results and expressed openness to coalition negotiations.
Greenland remains a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, receiving nearly $1 billion annually from Copenhagen. While it has the right to declare full independence via referendum, economic reliance on Denmark has delayed such a move.
Trump’s renewed interest, including investment pledges, has unsettled many Greenlanders, with concerns over US intentions and the preservation of Nordic welfare benefits. Naleraq hopes to accelerate negotiations with Denmark, potentially bringing an independence deal to a vote within four years. Meanwhile, Denmark has reiterated that Greenland’s future is solely for its people to decide.
