Foreign powers potentially interfering in Greenland's upcoming election, according to the Danish intelligence agency.
Danish authorities are on high alert as foreign influence, specifically from Russia, looms over the 2025 parliamentary elections in Greenland.
The Danish intelligence service (PET) has acknowledged the potential involvement of foreign states in the elections set for March 11th, 2025, in reference to the Greenlandic parliament, the Inatsisartut.
A Scandinavian nation with a small media landscape and heavy social media reliance, Greenland's elections are often decided by razor-thin margins, making it susceptible to foreign disinformation campaigns.
In recent years, Greenland's political climate has been shaped by geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding the U.S.'s interest in the Arctic region. The dominant Democrat Party advocates for a gradual approach to autonomy, vehemently opposing any foreign territorial ambitions. In contrast, a pro-U.S. party, Qulleq, garnered minimal support.
Past investigations, including findings by Denmark's Defence Intelligence Service (FE) and Security and Intelligence Service (PET), have suggested that foreign influence attempts are likely before the elections. In April 2025, these agencies reportedly accused Russia of orchestrating a disinformation campaign involving a fake social media post attributed to a Danish lawmaker.
Additionally, academic and media analysis has shed light on the appearance of foreign disinformation, such as a fake Twitter account impersonating a Greenlandic politician and the dissemination of a fraudulent post attributed to a Danish lawmaker. Researchers have stressed Greenland's vulnerability in such instances, warning of the potential consequences on the elections' outcome.
With the heightened geopolitical stakes, Denmark and Greenland must stay vigilant to ensure a free and fair electoral process. As the election draws near, it remains to be seen how foreign influence efforts will shape Greenland's political trajectory.
- The monitoring of foreign influence, particularly from Russia, is crucial in the upcoming 2025 parliamentary elections in Greenland, especially as manipulation through fake news and disinformation campaigns could sway the outcomes.
- In the midst of ongoing political tension, the AFP reports that academic and media analysis have exposed the presence of foreign disinformation, such as false social media posts or fake accounts impersonating Greenlandic and Danish politicians.
- As Greenland's elections can often be decided by narrow margins, it is crucial for international news agencies to cover the elections closely and report on any attempts at foreign interference, overseeing the crucial process to ensure a free and fair election.
- With geopolitical interests at play and the potential for disinformation impacting the results of the 2025 elections, Greenland's smaller media landscape calls for increased cooperation between local and international media outlets to ensure balanced and accurate news reporting about the elections.
- As the elections draw near, the Danish intelligence service (PET), Denmark's Defence Intelligence Service (FE), and Greenland's authorities must work together to read, analyze, and mitigate any future disinformation campaigns, given the potential political ramifications they could have on Greenland and its strategic location in the Arctic region.
