Greenland Votes on Independence and Trump’s Ambitions
NUUK: Greenland, the Danish self-governing territory, votes on Tuesday in legislative elections that could yield a timeline for independence, which is supported by a majority of the population.
The election result will define the balance of power between those who want to independence quickly – such as the nationalist Naleraq party, the main opposition faction – and those who prefer to wait until the island is financially independent, such as the two parties who make up the outgoing coalition, the left-green Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) and social democratic Siumut.
Balance of Power
The election is marked by a debate on issues such as healthcare, education, and future ties with Denmark, which still controls foreign, defence and monetary policy. Greenland’s inhabitants – almost 90% of whom are Inuits – say they are tired of being treated like second-class citizens by their former colonial power.
All the main political parties favour independence, but they disagree on the timeframe. The most impatient independence backers believe Greenland will soon be able to stand on its own thanks to untapped mineral reserves, including rare earths crucial to the green transition. However, the mining sector is still in its embryonic stages, hampered by high costs due to Greenland’s harsh climate and lack of infrastructure.
Trump’s Ambitions
US President Donald Trump has circled back on his idea of buying Greenland, refusing to rule out the use of force and invoking US national security. He has sent a jolt through election campaigns, with some independence supporters seeing his remarks as a positive, giving them leverage ahead of independence negotiations with Denmark.
However, his statements have also chilled some independence supporters, making continued ties with Copenhagen more attractive to them. The most recent polling on the issue, published in January, shows 85% of Greenlanders are opposed to Trump’s idea.
More Polarisation
Trump’s remarks have contributed to a more polarized debate, with some seeing his message as a positive, while others are sceptical. The election has been marked by a growing sense of national identity, with many Greenlanders seeking greater autonomy and self-determination.
Conclusion
The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Greenland’s future, with the potential for increased independence and self-governance. While Trump’s ambitions have injected a level of uncertainty, the election is ultimately about the people of Greenland and their desire for greater control over their own affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of the election in Greenland?
The election will determine the balance of power in Greenland, with implications for its future independence and ties with Denmark. - What is the current state of Greenland’s economy?
Greenland’s economy is heavily reliant on its fisheries sector, which accounts for almost all of its exports, and annual Danish subsidies of more than US$565 million. - What is the current state of Greenland’s mining sector?
The mining sector is still in its embryonic stages, hampered by high costs due to Greenland’s harsh climate and lack of infrastructure. - What is the stance of the main political parties on independence?
All the main political parties favour independence, but they disagree on the timeframe, with some wanting to achieve it quickly and others preferring to wait until the island is financially independent.