Amid concerns about foreign interference and demands that Greenlanders must control their own destiny, the island’s PM called an early parliamentary election, set for Tuesday.
Uncertainty reigns in Greenland right now, as the world’s largest island prepares for elections that could define its future and sovereignty on Tuesday.
Many of the 57,000 Greenlanders in this semi-autonomous territory swing between being concerned and offended by US President Trump’s threats to seize control of their mineral-rich homeland, even by force, over Washington’s alleged need “for national security”.
Amid worries about foreign interference and demands that Greenlanders must control their own destiny, the island’s Prime Minister Mute B Egede called early parliamentary elections for 11 March.
Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark, a long-time US ally that has rejected Trump’s overtures. Copenhagen has also recognised Greenland’s right to independence at a time of its choosing.
Who are the main running parties?
Since 1979, Greenland has had its own prime minister who can govern at a local level.
The parliament, called the Inatsisartut, has just 31 MPs who will be chosen from six political parties, two of whom are in the governing coalition of the Inuit Ataqatigiit and the Simiut parties.
Recent polls suggest the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, led by Egede, could gain about 31% and beat the Siumut party by about 9%.
The left-leaning socialist party advocates for an economically and politically independent Greenland and opposes mining for radioactive materials due to environmental risks.
The centre-left Simiut party has promised a vote on independence after the election, which may help attract more voters and possibly allow it to choose the next prime minister.
Led by Erik Jensen, Greenland’s largest party wants to reduce economic dependence on Denmark over the next 15 years.
Naleraq is Greenland’s largest opposition party, headed by Pele Broberg. The left-wing party has gained popularity with its pro-independence policy and apparent willingness to collaborate with the US.
Qupanuk Olsen, Greenland’s most popular influencer, is running for Naleraq. With more than 500,000 followers on TikTok and 300,000 on Instagram, she has the most substantial online campaign platform on the North Atlantic island.
Polls will open on Tuesday at noon CET and close at 10 pm CET.
Video editor • Rory Elliott Armstrong
