Greenland: Center-Right Opposition Wins Elections

The center-right Demokraatit (Democrats) party won the March 11 Greenland elections. The election campaign has unfolded amid statements by Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed interest in the island joining the USA. Prior to the vote, the Democrat party was in opposition, but was able to garner voter support and win.

The outcome of the vote clearly expressed the popular will: the desire for independence from Denmark and the preservation of sovereignty to the United States. In the election results, the Democrat party won 30% of the vote, followed by the nationalists from the Naleraq party with 23%. The parties that were part of the previous government were defeated: the left-green movement Inuit Ataqatigiit received 21% of the vote (against more than 35% in 2021), and the result of the social democratic party Siumut was almost halved to 15%. The only party in favor of maintaining the union with Denmark was Atassut, but it was supported by only 7% of voters.

The election turnout was almost 70%, one of the highest in the country’s history. Independence is at the top of almost all parties’ political agenda, but their positions differ on the pace and means of achieving it. The leading party favors a gradual and measured process, while the nationalists, who came second in the election, insist on an immediate “break” with Denmark. It is clear that this process will be a key topic for the new government, and addressing it will require the formation of a coalition.

Currently, Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but after the 2008 referendum, the local government was given broad powers over legislation, the judiciary, and the management of natural resources (which, despite their enormous potential, remain underdeveloped). Meanwhile, about 30% of the island’s GDP still comes from subsidies from Copenhagen.