Greenland’s legislative elections are taking place amid international scrutiny, particularly due to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in the territory. As residents vote, key issues include independence, economic stability, and historical grievances against Denmark. While major parties support independence, opinions on the timing vary. Trump’s comments have polarized views, with many locals expressing concern about American control and emphasizing the need for careful planning before pursuing independence.
Greenland’s Pivotal Legislative Elections Amidst Global Attention
On Tuesday, Greenlanders head to the polls to participate in legislative elections that could shape the future of their independence, all while under the watchful eye of international politics. The elections are particularly influenced by remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has shown a keen interest in acquiring the Arctic island, often expressing such desires in a provocative manner.
Trump’s persistent belief that he can acquire the Danish autonomous territory “one way or another” has sparked a range of reactions among the 57,000 residents of Greenland, from disbelief to rare enthusiasm. As the elections approach, the American leader has attempted to sway the voting populace, leading to a mixture of astonishment and discontent among the locals.
Key Issues and Voter Sentiments
After enduring a lengthy wait, Mute Egede, the outgoing Prime Minister of Greenland, cast his vote shortly after the polls opened in Nuuk, the capital, coinciding with his birthday. In a Facebook video, he remarked, “Our country is in the eye of the cyclone,” indicating the intense scrutiny Greenland faces from the outside world and the efforts to influence its governance.
The elections will renew the 31 seats in the Inatsisartut, Greenland’s local Parliament, with polls closing at 8:00 PM (10:00 PM GMT) and results anticipated later that night. Throughout the campaign, critical topics such as healthcare, education, and economic ties with Denmark have dominated discussions. Denmark continues to maintain sovereign functions over the territory, including diplomacy and defense.
While nearly 90% of Greenland’s population identifies as Inuit, many residents express frustration over their historical treatment as second-class citizens by Denmark, the former colonial power. Recent controversies, including a withdrawn documentary suggesting Denmark profited significantly from Greenland’s resources, have intensified these sentiments.
Despite a unanimous desire for independence among major political parties, the timeline for achieving it remains a point of contention. The nationalists of Naleraq advocate for a swift transition, whereas the ruling coalition, comprising Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) and Siumut, prioritizes economic stability before pursuing independence.
Greenland’s economy relies heavily on fishing, which constitutes the bulk of its exports, alongside approximately 530 million euros in annual aid from Denmark, accounting for 20% of the local GDP. While some believe that mineral resources could pave the way for independence, the mining sector is still in its infancy, facing high operational costs.
As influencer Qupanuk Olsen, a Naleraq candidate, stated before voting, “We are on the brink of a huge change for Greenland’s independence and the struggle for who we are as Inuit.”
Trump’s previous suggestions to buy Greenland have caused ripples in the political landscape. Recently, he reiterated his desire to bring Greenland under U.S. control, promising security and prosperity to those who might consider joining the United States. However, a January poll revealed that about 85% of Greenlanders reject this notion.
Voter sentiments reflect a cautious approach toward independence. Aka-Mark Thor-Møller, a 28-year-old accountant, expressed the need for economic planning before pursuing independence, stating, “They can’t own us,” and emphasizing the importance of timing. Prime Minister Egede labeled Trump’s statements as “unpredictable,” indicating their impact on the electoral campaign.
The nationalist Naleraq party views American interest as potential leverage in future negotiations with Denmark. However, Trump’s remarks may also dampen independence enthusiasm and encourage continued ties with Copenhagen. A voter identifying as Ittukusuk remarked, “Staying with Denmark is more important than ever right now… If we become independent, Trump could become too aggressive, that’s what scares me.”
Analysts suggest that Trump’s involvement in the electoral discussion has polarized views, reinforcing existing convictions on both sides, but it is unlikely to sway the election results significantly.