Greenland elects Democrats with a surprise victory, taking moderate path to independence

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.
 

Source: commonspace.eu with agencies

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.