Opposition Ahead in Greenland Vote
Greenlanders are participating in a significant vote that may result in pursuing independence from Denmark or forging closer relations with the United States. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The historic parliamentary vote in Greenland may lead the Arctic island to consider independence from Denmark or explore closer ties with the United States.
Preliminary results from the election indicate that two opposition parties are in the lead: one focuses on economic development, while the other advocates for immediate independence. This election has garnered international attention, particularly due to US President Donald Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Greenland's strategic significance stems from its location in the Arctic and its untapped mineral resources. Trump's interest in acquiring the island began during his first term in 2019, but the proposal was quickly rejected by both Denmark and Greenland. Since returning to office, he has reignited discussions on US influence, emphasizing the island's importance to American security and economic interests.
Early results show that the centrist Demokraatit party, which advocates for economic growth and a gradual move towards independence, is leading with 29.9% of the vote, a significant increase from 9.1% in 2021. The pro-independence Naleraq party, which has expressed willingness to establish closer ties with the US, has garnered 24.5%, nearly doubling its prior support.
The ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party, which supports a more measured approach to independence, stands at 21.4%. Meanwhile, its left-wing coalition partner, Siumut, has seen a decline to 14.7%, a notable drop compared to the last election, during which the two parties held nearly two-thirds of the legislative seats.
The former Danish colony obtained self-rule in 1979, but Copenhagen retains authority over foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy. Covering an area of 2.2 million square kilometers and home to around 60,000 residents, Greenland also hosts a vital US military base at Thule.
The island has the right to declare full independence via a referendum but has yet to pursue this option due to ongoing concerns about economic stability. Currently, Denmark provides an annual subsidy that constitutes approximately a quarter of Greenland’s economy.
During a recent joint session of Congress, Trump reiterated his support for Greenland’s right to self-determination, suggesting the territory could separate from Denmark and join the US. He stated that the US needs the island and will secure it “one way or the other,” despite having faced a rejection of his prior purchase proposal.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
Preliminary results from the election indicate that two opposition parties are in the lead: one focuses on economic development, while the other advocates for immediate independence. This election has garnered international attention, particularly due to US President Donald Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Greenland's strategic significance stems from its location in the Arctic and its untapped mineral resources. Trump's interest in acquiring the island began during his first term in 2019, but the proposal was quickly rejected by both Denmark and Greenland. Since returning to office, he has reignited discussions on US influence, emphasizing the island's importance to American security and economic interests.
Early results show that the centrist Demokraatit party, which advocates for economic growth and a gradual move towards independence, is leading with 29.9% of the vote, a significant increase from 9.1% in 2021. The pro-independence Naleraq party, which has expressed willingness to establish closer ties with the US, has garnered 24.5%, nearly doubling its prior support.
The ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party, which supports a more measured approach to independence, stands at 21.4%. Meanwhile, its left-wing coalition partner, Siumut, has seen a decline to 14.7%, a notable drop compared to the last election, during which the two parties held nearly two-thirds of the legislative seats.
The former Danish colony obtained self-rule in 1979, but Copenhagen retains authority over foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy. Covering an area of 2.2 million square kilometers and home to around 60,000 residents, Greenland also hosts a vital US military base at Thule.
The island has the right to declare full independence via a referendum but has yet to pursue this option due to ongoing concerns about economic stability. Currently, Denmark provides an annual subsidy that constitutes approximately a quarter of Greenland’s economy.
During a recent joint session of Congress, Trump reiterated his support for Greenland’s right to self-determination, suggesting the territory could separate from Denmark and join the US. He stated that the US needs the island and will secure it “one way or the other,” despite having faced a rejection of his prior purchase proposal.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
