Greenland heads to the polls on Tuesday in an election that could shape the territory’s future relationship with Denmark, as the debate over independence heats up, fueled by US President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring the island.
For centuries, Greenland has been a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but it governs its domestic affairs while foreign and defense policy decisions are made in Copenhagen. However, the election comes at a time when Trump’s repeated attempts to buy Greenland have drawn attention to the island’s strategic importance and untapped mineral resources.
“There’s never been a spotlight like this on Greenland before,” said Nauja Bianco, a Danish-Greenlandic policy expert, underscoring the significance of the current political moment.
In the election, five of the six parties on the ballot support Greenland’s independence from Denmark, with varying views on how quickly the process should begin. The debate, according to Masaana Egede, editor of the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, has been “put on steroids by Trump.”
In 2019, Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first term, and in recent months, he has reiterated his interest. During a speech to US Congress, Trump stated, “We need Greenland for national security. One way or the other, we’re gonna get it.” His comments sparked condemnation from Greenlandic politicians, including Prime Minister Mute Egede, who said, “We deserve to be treated with respect.”
Trump’s attention has amplified calls for Greenland to break away from Denmark, with many now debating not if, but when, the independence process should begin. Greenland’s long-standing independence movement has gained momentum, particularly after revelations of mistreatment of the Inuit people by Denmark, which have caused public resentment.
Prime Minister Egede’s party, Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), supports gradual steps toward autonomy. Egede has emphasized that any moves toward independence must prioritize the security of citizens.
On the other hand, the Naleraq party wants immediate independence and closer defense ties with the US, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with Denmark’s influence. Party leader Pele Broberg has suggested that Greenland could be “out of the Danish kingdom in three years.”
However, some parties, like the center-right Demokraatit, argue that the economy is not yet strong enough for independence. Currently, Greenland’s economy heavily relies on fishing, with Denmark providing annual subsidies.
Although the independence debate has dominated discussions, local issues such as healthcare and social welfare have also emerged as key topics. Recent polls show that nearly 80% of Greenlanders support moves toward statehood, though concerns over living standards remain. A significant number, approximately 85%, oppose becoming part of the United States, with many seeing Trump’s interest as a potential threat.
Experts caution that full independence is unlikely in the near future. According to Kaj Kleist, a veteran Greenlandic politician, achieving independence could take 10 to 15 years, requiring extensive negotiations with Denmark.
With about 44,000 eligible voters, the election results will likely be closely watched, though the outcome remains uncertain. Results are expected early on Wednesday morning, but experts agree that Greenland will not achieve independence during Trump’s second term.
