Greenland’s Parliamentary Election: A Shift Towards Independence…

Greenland’s parliamentary election on March 11 revealed a surprising victory for the center-right opposition and stronger support for the pro-independence Naleraq party amid heightened international interest due to Trump’s comments on the territory. The Democratic Party nearly tripled its vote share, and independence remains a central issue for voters as coalition talks and a potential timeline for independence are anticipated.

Greenland held its parliamentary election on March 11, 2021, under significant international scrutiny largely due to former President Donald Trump’s overt interest in the island. This election was characterized by a prevailing sentiment for independence among voters, leading to an unexpected victory for the center-right opposition, alongside a notable rise for the pro-independence Naleraq party.

The Democratic Party, which identifies as social liberal and supports a gradual path to independence, experienced a significant increase in support, securing 29.9 percent of the votes, which represents a tripling of its previous score in the 2021 elections. The Naleraq party, known for its staunch pro-independence stance, also saw its vote share more than double to 24.5 percent.

This election marked an unprecedented level of international interest in Greenland, primarily due to Trump’s expressed ambitions regarding the resource-rich territory. In a State of the Union address on March 4, Trump made an ambiguous statement supporting Greenland’s right to self-determination, while simultaneously emphasizing its strategic importance for national security, stating: “We need Greenland for national security and even international security… One way or the other, we’re going to get it.”

In response to these external pressures, outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede of the left-green Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party expressed a desire for independence, noting in an interview that, “We don’t want to be either Americans or Danes.” He highlighted concerns regarding global instability and the unpredictable nature of global leadership.

Post-election, Egede acknowledged the outcome, which necessitates coalition negotiations since no party achieved a parliamentary majority. The forthcoming government is anticipated to establish a timeline for independence, a sentiment shared by the majority of Greenland’s population, which exceeds 57,000 inhabitants.

The Democratic Party’s leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, affirmed openness to coalition talks, recognizing the urgency of unity amid global tensions. Although all major parties support independence, they differ in their proposed timelines. Many Greenlanders, particularly among the indigenous Inuit population, feel they have historically been viewed as second-class citizens under Danish colonial rule.

Trump’s influence on the election resulted in increased voter turnout, reflecting heightened engagement among Greenlanders. A recent poll indicated that despite this pressure, 85 percent of respondents remain opposed to joining the United States. Kira, a Greenlandic student, succinctly expressed the sentiment: “We want to be ourselves, and the time has come.”

Given the continuous interest in Greenland, there remains a possibility of a referendum on independence later this year. Political candidate Qupanuk Olsen noted the increased awareness among Greenlanders regarding their value in international discourse, describing it as a beneficial development.

Greenland’s mineral wealth, particularly its abundant deposits of rare earth elements, further fuels this international interest. The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland indicates that Greenland possesses 36.1 million tonnes of rare earth resources, with numerous international companies exploring these opportunities.

Historically, the United States has attempted to acquire Greenland, with efforts dating back to the 19th century and further interest during the World Wars. The remarks by Trump have enhanced Greenland’s negotiating position with Denmark for future independence talks. However, some proponents of independence express caution, fearing that closer ties with the US under Trump’s leadership could bring potential risks. One voter remarked, “Staying with Denmark is more important than ever right now… if we become independent, then Trump might get too aggressive.”

In conclusion, the recent election in Greenland has illustrated a notable shift in political dynamics, emphasizing growing support for independence amidst external pressures, particularly from the former U.S. administration. The unexpected success of the opposition parties reflects increased engagement among Greenlanders regarding their future. With ongoing discussions surrounding independence, it is critical for Greenland’s leadership to navigate these complex political waters carefully while embracing their cultural identity and aspirations for sovereignty.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr