Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede recently expressed a clear wish for independence. He declared, “We don’t want to be Danes or Americans.” This independence issue is heating up as Greenland prepares for a general election on March 11.
The political landscape has changed significantly due to growing international interest, particularly from the U.S. Former President Donald Trump once claimed it was essential for America to take over Greenland. He even hinted at the possibility of using military or economic pressure to achieve this.
Understanding Greenland’s History
Greenland, the world’s largest island, got its name from the Viking Erik the Red around 990 AD. He aimed to attract settlers to its shores. Since the 1950s, the U.S. has operated an airbase in Thule, situated in the northern part of the island.
Today, Greenland is still part of Denmark, but it operates with a unique status. Despite being roughly the size of Mexico, Greenland’s population is just about 56,000.
The Current Situation
In the 1950s, Greenland became a county of Denmark. Then, in 1979, it gained its own parliament, allowing it to make local laws. Greenland’s parliament, called the Inatsisartut, has powers over most issues except defense and foreign affairs.
The idea of independence gained traction in the early 2000s, culminating in an agreement in 2008 between Denmark and Greenland. This deal included a gradual reduction in Danish financial support as mineral resources become available for public funding.
Egede leads the left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party, which is in favor of independence. Another party, Naleraq, shares similar views. Together, they hold a significant number of seats in the 31-member parliament. However, some members from other parties are also gradually leaning toward supporting independence.
Resistance to independence comes from the conservative Demokraatit party and center-left Siumut party, which have traditionally held power but are now losing popularity. Demokraatit is currently gaining support, suggesting a shift in the political landscape.
The Possibility of a Referendum
The current coalition government includes Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut, who have set aside differences on independence discussions—at least for now. After the election, it’s likely that if Inuit Ataqatigiit and Naleraq win, they may push for a referendum on independence.
Unlike most regions, Greenland has a unique legal framework. In 2009, Denmark passed a law allowing Greenland to hold an independence vote whenever it chooses. This has fueled interest in the territory, especially given its rich mineral resources such as copper and platinum.
Traditionally, many Greenlanders focused more on daily concerns like welfare and the cost of living. However, Trump’s interest in Greenland has shifted the focus toward potential mineral wealth.
Election Insights
Recent polls reflect a decline in support for the current government. Inuit Ataqatigiit’s projected vote share has dropped from 37% to 31%, while Siumut is expected to fall from 29% to 21%. Meanwhile, Demokraatit may double its vote share to 18%, edging ahead of Naleraq.
Despite the current government’s struggles, the sentiment in Greenland remains clear: none want to become part of the U.S. While opinions differ on their long-standing union with Denmark, they unite against Trump’s aggressive stance. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has conveyed the collective message: “Greenland is not for sale.”
The debate about independence continues, with Greenlanders ready to explore their futures while firmly standing by their sovereignty.
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