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Campaign posters are prominently displayed outside polling stations in Ilulissat, Greenland, as the island prepares for its general election on March 11, 2025. This crucial event will determine the 31 members of the Inatsisartut, Greenland’s parliament.
The upcoming election is expected to be significantly influenced by the ongoing discourse surrounding Greenland’s potential independence from Denmark, coupled with U.S. President Donald Trump’s aspirations regarding the territory. Trump’s previous remarks about acquiring Greenland have added a layer of complexity to the election, highlighting the island’s strategic importance.
Among the five largest political parties in Greenland, four support independence. Recent polling data from January indicates that the pro-independence party, Inuit Ataqatigiit, is likely to maintain a strong position in the parliament, followed closely by Siumut, a previous coalition partner.
Both of these major parties advocate for a referendum on independence but have not established a specific timeline for such a vote. Denmark retains control over Greenland’s defense and foreign affairs while allowing local governance over domestic issues. The Danish government provides an annual block grant estimated at $511 million, crucial for Greenland’s economy as it constitutes about 20% of the island’s GDP and a substantial portion of its public budget, according to the International Trade Administration.
Despite Copenhagen’s insistence that Greenland is not for sale, it is taking the growing independence sentiment seriously. Concerned by the narrative surrounding American interest, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labeled Trump’s proposal to buy the island as “absurd” during its initial announcement in 2019.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has vocally rejected any notion of Greenland being for sale, asserting that “Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland.” In a strong message reiterated last week, he emphasized, “We are not for sale and cannot simply be taken. Our future will be decided by us in Greenland,” showcasing a unified sense of identity among the Greenlanders.
Trump has remained persistent regarding U.S. interests in Greenland, suggesting that the island’s control is critical for America’s national and economic security. His recent address to Congress reaffirmed the U.S. intent to secure control “one way or the other,” while also emphasizing the nation’s commitment to support Greenland in its quest for self-determination.
Shifting Perspectives
Though the call for independence resonates strongly within Greenland, most residents express a reluctance toward aligning with the U.S. An opinion poll conducted in January revealed that 85% of Greenlanders do not support becoming a part of the United States, with only 6% backing the idea. Contrastingly, when asked about independence, 56% of respondents indicated they would favor such a move if a referendum were held immediately.
This sentiment of preference for self-governance without U.S. affiliation was echoed by Rasmus Jarlov, a Conservative lawmaker in Denmark, who stated that no candidate in the Greenland elections advocates for joining the U.S. Jarlov pointed out that the desire for independence does not equate to wanting to become part of the U.S., and he emphasized that Greenland enjoys rights and representation that would be compromised in a U.S. territorial status.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s approach may be misaligned with the realities of international relations, advocating instead for a strategy focused on fostering economic and geopolitical ties rather than ownership. Otto Svendsen from the Center for Strategic and International Studies remarked that the Greenland populace is not inclined toward being acquired. He also highlighted that pursuing an acquisition would likely breach international law regarding Greenland’s right to self-determination.
Svendsen recommended that the U.S. enhance its relations with Greenland through collaborative initiatives that bolster local industries, education, and tourism, allowing Washington to benefit without taking on the financial burdens of governance.
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