Greenland's general parliamentary elections were won in a surprise victory by the centre-right social-liberal opposition party Demokraatit, beating the left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party led by incumbent Prime Minister Múte Egede.
Demokraatit, which advocates gradual independence from Denmark, won 29.9 per cent of the vote. In the last parliamentary election in 2021, it won only 9.3 per cent.
"People want change," said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Demokraatit and a former Greenlandic trade minister. "We want more trade to finance our prosperity." Furthermore, "Greenland needs us to stand together in a time of great interest from outside," party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen told local media. "There is a need for unity, so we will enter into negotiations with everyone."
The Democrats campaigned for tax cuts, a stronger economy, and more help for the poorest in society. The party wants to attract investment in sectors such as tourism and mining to become more economically self-sufficient. To achieve this, the mining sector's rules need to be relaxed.
The elections in Greenland have received a lot of attention in recent months due to statements made by US President Donald Trump. He has regularly said that he wants the island to become part of the United States, and has promised its inhabitants billions of dollars to do so. The island is currently part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Only 57,000 people live in Greenland, but the vast island is important in the Arctic region. The island has large quantities of valuable raw materials, which are becoming more accessible as the polar ice caps melt. It is also strategically located. China and Russia have increased their military activities in the region.
Many Greenlanders do not want to be annexed by the United States. Demokraatit favours independence from Denmark, but wants to prepare for it properly. Naleraq wants to start the independence process immediately.
