Greenland found itself in the limelight following President Trump’s persistent claims that the United States would “obtain” the isolated island at the earth’s pinnacle. Consequently, the parliamentary elections held on Tuesday gained significant importance — not only for international observers but also for the residents of Greenland.
Voter participation reached its highest level in 12 years, prompting polling stations across the sparsely populated island, which is partially governed by Denmark, to extend their hours to accommodate the long queues. Nearly 74 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots, according to official statistics.
After all the votes were tallied early Wednesday morning, Demokraatit emerged victorious, a party that has voiced criticism of Mr. Trump’s statements. This party advocates a moderate approach toward independence from Denmark, a long-term aspiration shared by many Greenlandic politicians.
In second place was Naleraq, a party advocating for a swifter path to independence — an outcome some members believe would allow Greenland to engage more freely with countries, including the United States. A notable member of Naleraq is quite supportive of Trump, having attended the American president’s inauguration.
More than 300 years ago, Denmark colonized Greenland. Although the island is now regarded as a semi-autonomous territory, Denmark continues to handle its foreign policy, defense, and various aspects of governance. Demokraatit won approximately 30 percent of the votes, narrowly edging out Naleraq, which secured 24.5 percent. The former has consistently asserted that achieving independence should not compromise economic and social stability.
Political analyst Lars Trier Mogensen, based in Copenhagen, remarked that Demokraatit’s victory indicates that Greenland is unlikely to pursue significant changes in its geopolitical relationships, at least in the near future. “The new Greenlandic government is not expected to hasten major shifts in U.S. relations anytime soon,” he stated.
He further added that the results signal that Greenlandic voters have pragmatically recognized the need for a stronger economy before making definitive moves toward independence.
Rich in minerals and positioned strategically along increasingly vital sea routes, Greenland caught Trump’s attention, as he proclaimed to Congress last week that the United States would take control of it “one way or the other.”
Just two days prior to the election, on Sunday, Trump made a direct appeal to Greenland’s 56,000 citizens. “We are ready to INVEST BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to create new jobs and MAKE YOU RICH,” he proclaimed in a social media update.
Nonetheless, Greenlanders have made it clear that they do not wish to be integrated into the United States; polls indicate that at least 85 percent oppose such an idea. “Greenland is not a house that can be bought,” asserted Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Demokraatit, during a televised debate.
Kuno Fencker of Naleraq, Greenland’s most pro-Trump politician, received significantly more votes than in the previous election in 2021. An advocate for immediate independence, Fencker attended Trump’s inauguration and toured the West Wing, drawing heavy criticism from his opponents for his push to strengthen ties with the United States, with some labeling him a traitor. In a recent podcast, he argued that Trump had been “misunderstood.”
Naleraq’s second-place finish ensures that pro-independence voices will remain influential, providing the party a platform to advocate for increased engagement with Washington. This outcome marks a substantial improvement from the 2021 elections; at an election night gathering on the outskirts of Nuuk, supporters celebrated with hugs, dance, and cheers.
However, Mr. Trier Mogensen anticipates that Demokraatit will likely form a coalition government with the more centrist Inuit Ataqatigiit party, which came in third with 21.4 percent of the vote. Inuit Ataqatigiit, the leading party in the outgoing coalition, has embraced a cautious approach to separation from Denmark.
The election outcome will influence the 31-seat Parliament, known as the Inatsisartut. Mr. Nielsen from Demokraatit commented on a broadcast early Wednesday, stating that the party was “reaching out to everyone,” emphasizing, “Greenland needs unity.”
As the largest island in the world, Greenland has a predominantly Inuit population, which was marginalized during the colonial period. Over time, growing calls for self-governance led to increased autonomy and the establishment of a Greenlandic government.
Today, Greenland oversees most of its domestic affairs, yet achieving full independence poses challenges, considering that Denmark’s financial backing accounts for over half of Greenland’s budget, which funds schools, social services, and subsidized fuel.
The economy of Greenland relies heavily on fishing, though the tourism sector is rapidly expanding. Many voters expressed that local issues took precedence over geopolitical matters, demonstrating widespread skepticism towards Mr. Trump among both voters and politicians.
During the final televised debate of the campaign on Monday, five out of six party leaders voiced their distrust of Mr. Trump; only Karl Ingemann of the minor Qulleq party, which holds negligible influence, expressed his support. (Mr. Ingemann did not win a seat.)
Erik Jensen, the leader of the Siumut party, was particularly critical, cautioning that “Trump is trying to influence us.” Múte B. Egede of Inuit Ataqatigiit, the outgoing prime minister, described the American president as “unpredictable,” accusing him of “creating instability.”
Conducting the election was no simple feat. Greenland is three times the size of Texas, with much of its terrain covered in ice. Ballots had to be transported using helicopters, boats, and snowmobiles.
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