Greenland’s parliamentary elections have taken a surprising turn, with the centre-right Demokraatit Party winning the most votes. The result comes as the autonomous Danish territory faces growing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made no secret of his ambitions to take control of the island.
Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede, of the left-leaning Inuit Ataqatigiit (United Inuit) party, had called for early elections in February, citing the need for national unity in what he described as an unprecedented period in Greenland’s history. However, the two dominant parties—Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut—failed to secure the most votes. Instead, Demokraatit took the lead, followed closely by the pro-independence Naleraq party.
Trump’s Renewed Push for Greenland
Trump’s comments have once again stirred global tensions, with the U.S. president telling Congress last week that America would acquire Greenland “one way or the other.” The island is strategically significant, located along key North Atlantic air and sea routes and rich in rare earth minerals essential for mobile phones and renewable energy technology.
READ MORE: Militants Bomb Train Tracks Before Taking Train Passengers Hostage in Pakistan
Greenland, which has been moving toward independence from Denmark since 2009, has long resisted U.S. overtures. The latest election results indicate that Greenland’s political direction remains uncertain, as newly elected lawmakers debate whether the time is right to break away from Danish rule.
Independence Debate Intensifies
Four of the five major parties in Greenland’s elections advocate for independence, but they disagree on the timeline and approach. While Naleraq pushes for immediate separation from Denmark, Demokraatit favors a gradual transition. The key question now is whether Demokraatit will form a coalition government and, if so, with which party.
“The winning approach to independence will ultimately depend on the coalition negotiations,” said Dwayne Menezes, managing director of the Polar Research and Policy Initiative.
Despite the independence push, some experts warn that Greenland’s economic reality makes separation from Denmark unlikely in the near future. Political analyst Professor Matt Qvortrup told ABC’s The World that Greenland lacks the financial resources to sustain independence.
“They would need to increase their income by 100 percent to compensate for the block grant they receive from Copenhagen,” Qvortrup said, adding that Greenland’s critical minerals are buried under thick layers of ice, making mining operations costly and challenging.
What’s Next for Greenland?
With a population of just 56,000, Greenland’s 31 elected lawmakers will now shape the island’s future. While the election results signal a shift in political dynamics, independence remains a complex issue.
The formation of Greenland’s next government will be critical in determining whether the territory accelerates its push for sovereignty—or remains under Denmark’s support while fending off U.S. interest in its strategic resources.
As international pressure mounts, all eyes are now on Greenland’s next steps.
