Greenland will hold a general election on March 11, following Prime Minister Mute Egede's announcement on Tuesday (February 4). The election comes at a time when the large Arctic island, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has been thrust into the international spotlight, particularly due to US President Donald Trump's interest in buying it.
Independence and relations with Denmark and the USA
The main issue in the election campaign is expected to be Greenland's aspirations for independence and its relations with Denmark and the United States. Trump's interest in purchasing the island, an idea he first expressed in 2019, was reiterated last month, implying that he could use economic or military force to achieve this goal.
In response, Greenland's parliament has taken steps to prevent foreign interference in its political processes. Lawmakers voted to ban foreign and anonymous political donations, as well as to tighten rules on foreign investment in real estate and property.
A crucial time for Greenland
"This is a time we have never experienced before in our country. This is not the time for internal division," Prime Minister Egede said in a post on social media, without directly mentioning Trump.
The movement for independence from Denmark has gained momentum in recent years, but remains a complex and sensitive issue. Egede, who will celebrate his 38th birthday on election day, is a supporter of independence but has not yet presented a concrete plan for achieving it.
Parties and their positions on Independence
Egede leads a governing coalition made up of his left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party and the social-democratic Siumut party. All five of Greenland's parliamentary parties support the idea of independence, but differ in their views on how and when it should be achieved.
The opposition party Naleraq, which currently holds five seats in the 31-seat parliament, is the only one calling for immediate secession from Denmark. “The most important part of our election campaign will be to start the process of independence from Denmark,” declared Naleraq leader Pele Broberg.
The Economy and the Challenges of Independence
Greenland possesses rich and unexplored mineral resources, but its economy remains fragile, relying largely on its fishing industry and financial aid from Denmark. If it were to break away completely, Greenland would have to find new sources of funding to replace the subsidies it currently receives.
A recent poll conducted by Verian for Danish and Greenlandic newspapers shows that a majority of citizens would vote for independence if a referendum were held today. However, 45% of respondents said they would oppose independence if it would worsen the standard of living, indicating that the path to an independent Greenland remains uncertain.
A historic choice
The outcome of the March 11 election will directly affect Greenland's future, its relations with Denmark and the United States, and its potential path to independence. At this critical juncture, Greenlandic voters will determine the path their country will take in the years to come. (A2 Televizion)
