NUUK, Greenland — In a stunning political outcome in Greenland’s parliamentary elections, the center-right Demokraatit Party emerged as the leading force. This election, marked by external geopolitical tensions highlighted by then-U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland, showcased gains for parties advocating for independence from Denmark, although their approaches differ markedly.
Demokraatit, often referred to as the Democrats, spearheaded the electoral race by securing nearly 30% of the vote, an impressive rise from their mere 9% in the previous election. The second-place was claimed by Naleraq, also known as Point of Orientation, with nearly 25%, doubling their previous electoral share reported by Greenlandic Broadcasting Corporation KNR TV.
The surprise victory of the Demokraatit highlighted a significant shift in Greenland’s political landscape, where many residents are prioritizing health care, education, and cultural preservation over traditional issues. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the 33-year-old leader of the Demokraatit, expressed enthusiastic surprise at the electoral party, lauding the results as a historic milestone.
Nielsen conveyed plans to engage with all political factions to outline Greenland’s future political trajectory, acknowledging the unexpected nature of the election’s outcome and emphasizing the necessity for solidarity against growing international interests.
The call for early elections by Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede was aimed at unifying the nation amid what he described as unprecedented challenges. Despite the expectations, Egede’s party, Inuit Ataqatigiit or United Inuit, witnessed a decline, gathering only 21% of the votes compared to their previous 36%.
While Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut, longstanding dominant political entities, were anticipated to perform robustly, the latter received just 14% of the vote, placing it fourth. Veterans in Danish politics like Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen acknowledged the shifting dynamics, suggesting the new Greenlandic government will face significant pressure from U.S. interests.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Greenland, rich in rare earth minerals crucial for modern technology, these elections did not directly resolve the sovereignty question but reignited the independence debate. With a population of 56,000, Greenland’s strides towards independence, ongoing since 2009, remain a focal point of political discourse.
Varying views among the five main contesting parties regarding the timeline and logistics of independence underscore the complexity. While Naleraq pursues an assertive independence agenda, Demokraatit advocates for a gradual approach.
Dwayne Menezes from the Polar Research and Policy Initiative noted that Greenland’s path to independence will largely rest on Demokraatit’s coalition decisions. In the aftermath, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen celebrated the election’s democratic spirit and expressed readiness to engage with Greenland’s evolving political landscape following coalition negotiations.
