Greenland’s election is capturing global interest, especially in light of former President Donald Trump’s stated desire to purchase the semiautonomous territory from Denmark. With around 44,000 of its 57,000 residents eligible to vote, Greenland will elect 31 members of Parliament alongside its government, amidst speculation over its future autonomy.
Six political parties are contesting the election, with five of them advocating for varying degrees of independence from Denmark. The current Prime Minister Mute B Egede and his party, Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), are expected to win approximately 31% of the votes while the social-democratic party Simiut follows closely behind. During the campaign, Egede emphasized that Greenland is “not for sale” and deserves respect.
A crucial aspect of these discussions has centered on Greenland’s independence. Despite being semi-autonomous, the territory has been under Danish control for nearly 300 years. The electorate is concerned about vital issues including healthcare, economics, and fisheries, with many calling for more urgency in moving toward independence. The largest opposition party, Naleraq, is advocating for a snap referendum on independence within a three to four-year timeline.
According to the director of the Bank of Greenland, Martin Kviesgaard, the island is currently not ready for self-sufficiency, relying on over $565 million annually from Danish subsidies, which constitutes about a fifth of its GDP. The sentiment is that abruptly severing ties with Denmark could have significant economic repercussions.
Trump first brought Greenland into the global spotlight in 2019 when he proposed buying the island. His son, Donald Jr., visited Greenland earlier this year, raising concerns that the Trump family’s interest in the territory could be a preamble to more serious discussions.
Geopolitically, Greenland occupies a critical position, lying along the shortest route between North America and Europe, which only adds to its value for the United States. The territory is also home to a significant U.S. space facility and rich mineral resources that remain largely untapped due to technological and environmental challenges.
As voting continues across 72 polling stations, with results expected early Wednesday, it remains to be seen how Trump’s previously expressed ambitions will impact the selections made by the voters and whether it may catalyze a more assertive push for independence as Greenland navigates its future.