NEW: Pro-US Parties Win Greenland Elections As Trump Eyes Territory
Greenland’s center-right Demokraatit party made a major breakthrough in parliamentary elections, capturing nearly 30% of the vote—up from just 9% in 2021. Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, operates under a parliamentary democracy, exercising self-rule while relying on Denmark for foreign policy and defense.
Its 31-seat legislature, the Inatsisartut, is shaped by several key parties. Siumut, a center-left social-democratic party, supports autonomy while maintaining strong ties with Denmark. Inuit Ataqatigiit, a socialist and pro-independence party, advocates for full separation.
Demokraatit, now surging in influence, promotes economic liberalism and a gradual path toward greater self-determination. Wednesday’s election delivered a stunning upset, with Demokraatit unseating incumbent Prime Minister Múte Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit.
The party tripled its representation in the Inatsisartut, winning 10 seats and reshaping Greenland’s political landscape. The pro-independence Naleraq party also gained ground, doubling its seats to eight, further intensifying the debate over Greenland’s future.
The election comes as President Donald Trump has consistently floated the idea of acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic value and natural resources. His interest has reignited discussions over Greenland’s sovereignty at a time when its new government appears more aligned with the West.
“People want change,” declared Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the Democrats, to reporters in Nuuk following the final vote tally, according to JP. “We don’t want independence tomorrow, we want to build a good foundation.”
Colorful coastal houses in Nuuk Greenland under grey skies
Despite gains by the pro-rapid independence right-wing party Naleraq, Rasmus Leander Nielsen, an associate professor at the University of Greenland, indicated that the Democrats are more poised to form a broad coalition, possibly including one or both of the outgoing ruling parties, Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut, as a gesture of national unity. During the election campaign, the Democrats’ leader, Nielsen, dismissed President Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland as “a threat to our political independence.”
However, campaign documents from the party suggested an openness to engaging with the U.S. on commercial matters. The election has shifted the focus of Greenlandic politics towards business development.
“If you add up the election result, voters were driven by business development and independence. And that’s good news for Trump,” said Mikkel Vedby Rasmussen, a political science professor at the University of Copenhagen. “From a White House perspective, this is probably the best result you could hope for.”
Nuuk, Greenland-August 18, 2024: Aerial view of skyline at port of Nuuk
Rasmussen further speculated, “If Trump can negotiate an agreement that prevents Greenland from opening its society to Chinese bases, Chinese mines, or Russian influence, then it’s sort of under control. And then Trump can… say that he has gained access to minerals.”
Internationally, Denmark and other European nations have expressed support for Greenland’s self-determination. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that “Europe must stand together” against Trump’s expansionist ambitions. Additionally, France has considered deploying troops to Greenland if requested by Denmark.
During his address to Congress last week, Trump said, “I think we’re going to get it [Greenland] one way or the other.”
Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland stems from its strategic location in the Arctic, rich natural resources, and growing geopolitical importance. The island is key for military defense, particularly in monitoring Arctic shipping lanes and countering Russian and Chinese influence.
Greenland holds valuable untapped resources like rare earth minerals, oil, and gas, which could bolster U.S. energy independence.