Greenlanders are set to vote in a pivotal election influenced by the desire for independence from Denmark and U.S. President Trump’s interest in the island. Most major political parties support a referendum on independence, yet the majority of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S. Analysts suggest that the U.S. should foster economic relationships instead of seeking ownership.
Greenlanders are preparing to vote in a critical parliamentary election that revolves around the debate on independence from Denmark and the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s ambitions to acquire the island. Recent polling indicates that four out of the five largest political parties in Greenland advocate for independence, with the Inuit Ataqatigiit party poised to retain power in the 31-seat Inatsisartut parliament. Both Inuit Ataqatigiit and its coalition partner, Siumut, plan to hold a referendum on independence but have yet to establish a clear timeline.
Denmark retains control over Greenland’s defense and foreign policy while allowing its government to handle domestic matters. The Danish government provides an annual block grant of about $511 million to Greenland, constituting around 20% of the island’s GDP and over half of its public budget. Although Copenhagen maintains that Greenland is “not for sale,” it remains cautious of rising independence sentiments and is presently choosing not to influence the electoral outcome.
Trump’s interest in Greenland, particularly its rare earth mineral resources, has caused unease in Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen publicly deemed Trump’s notion of purchasing Greenland as “absurd,” a stance echoed by Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede, who firmly stated, “we are not for sale and we will not be for sale.” He asserted that the future of Greenland rests solely with its people, emphasizing their identity and autonomy from outside influence.
Despite Denmark and Greenland’s resistance to his advances, Trump continues to emphasize an interest in ownership. Recently, he stated that the U.S. would claim control over Greenland “one way or the other,” reinforcing his administration’s intention to support Greenland’s self-determination while simultaneously seeking further engagements.
While the desire for independence from Denmark is prevalent among political candidates, the majority of Greenlanders oppose any move towards becoming a part of the United States. A January poll revealed that 85% of respondents did not favor transitioning from Danish control to U.S. governance. However, a majority indicated support for independence if a referendum were held, highlighting a complex relationship with both Denmark and the United States.
Danish defense committee chairman Rasmus Jarlov emphasized that no electoral candidates in Greenland advocate for joining the U.S. He asserted that Greenlanders enjoy full rights within Denmark and would not benefit from a U.S. status as an overseas territory. Analysts suggest that the U.S. should approach Greenland by fostering economic ties rather than pursuing ownership, as Greenlanders exhibit minimal interest in being acquired. This sentiment was captured by Otto Svendsen of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, stating that Greenlanders prioritize self-determination over external claims.
The upcoming parliamentary election in Greenland reflects a significant moment in the island’s struggle between independence aspirations, Danish oversight, and U.S. interests. Although there is a clear push for independence among political parties, the populace largely rejects the idea of becoming part of the United States. Denmark’s cautious stance against Trump’s ambitions underscores the delicate dynamics at play as Greenland seeks to determine its own future without external claims or influences. As analysts suggest, the U.S. should focus on deepening economic and geopolitical ties rather than pursuing ownership, aligning its endeavors with the aspirations of the Greenlandic people.
Original Source: www.cnbc.com
