Greenland’s Demokraatit party won a surprise election, securing around 30% of votes and advocating for independence from Denmark, countering Donald Trump’s intentions regarding the territory. The election results reflect a strong desire among Greenlanders for self-determination, as coalition negotiations begin to form a government opposed to becoming an American territory.
In a surprising turn of events, Greenland’s center-right Demokraatit party emerged victorious in the recent general election. The party, which advocates for gradual independence from Denmark, secured approximately 30 percent of the votes, a significant increase from nine percent in the previous election four years ago. This win represents a clear stance against Donald Trump’s proposals regarding the territory.
The election served as a crucial response to Trump, who has repeatedly indicated his desire to acquire Greenland, even asserting during a joint session of Congress his belief that the U.S. would obtain it “one way or another.” Demokraatit’s leader, Jens-Friederik Nielsen, stated firmly that “Greenland is not for sale” and emphasized that the people of Greenland seek independence rather than alignment with either American or Danish governance.
Following the Demokraatit party, the pro-independence Naleraq party garnered 24.5 percent of the vote. The incumbent parties, center-left Inuit Ataqatigiit and left-wing Siumut, trailed behind with 21.4 percent and 14.7 percent, respectively. This strong electoral performance positions Demokraatit to potentially form a coalition government moving forward.
Trump’s interest in Greenland has remained a point of contention; he initially suggested purchasing the territory in 2019 and reiterated this after the November 2024 presidential elections. Repeated rejections from both Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede have solidified the stance that Greenlanders wish to determine their destiny independently. A January poll reflected public sentiment, revealing only six percent of Greenlanders supporting U.S. sovereignty over the territory, with 85 percent opposed.
Prominent politicians have voiced their reactions to the election results. Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen hailed the election as a “joyful day and a celebration of democracy.” Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen acknowledged that the newly formed government would likely face pressure from Trump but reinforced that Greenland’s future hinges on the will of its people. Political analyst Seth Abramson remarked on the disappointing outcome for Trump and Musk in this context.
As Demokraatit embarks on coalition negotiations over the next few days, it is anticipated that the resulting government will resist any aspirations of Greenland becoming an American territory. This electoral outcome indicates a clear desire among the Greenlandic population for autonomy and self-determination.
The recent election in Greenland has underscored the electorate’s commitment to independence and self-governance, particularly in the face of external pressures from figures like Donald Trump. The decisive victory of the Demokraatit party indicates a robust rejection of proposals to sell Greenland and affirms the people’s desire to navigate their political future independently. As coalition talks commence, it remains to be seen how the new government will address both internal and external challenges regarding their sovereignty.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
