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Opposition in Greenland triumphs unexpectedly in elections, as nationalists make strong gains
In an unexpected twist, the opposition has emerged victorious in Greenland's legislative elections, a Danish territory that garnered global attention due to US President Donald Trump's expressed ambitions to claim the vast, resource-rich territory. The victorious Democratic party, self-proclaimed as "social liberal," more than tripled its score from the previous election, taking 29.9% of votes, while the nationalist Naleraq party, the most fervent advocates for immediate independence, more than doubled their showing, securing 24.5% of votes.
Greenland: A Hot Topic
Never before have Greenlandic elections attracted such global interest, following Trump's stated intentions to seize control of the territory.
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Soon-to-be outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede (IA party) acknowledged the results, while the leader of IA's coalition partner Siumut party conceded defeat. The two parties finished in third and fourth place, respectively.
Forming the Next Government
As no single party won a majority of the 31 seats in parliament, talks to forge a coalition will take place shortly. The forthcoming government is projected to map out a plan for independence, a goal supported by a large majority of Greenland's 57,000 residents.
Chatting with the Democratic Leader
The victorious Democrats are open to negotiations with all parties and are seeking unity, states their 33-year-old leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Greenland's former badminton champion, who expressed surprise at their win.
Trump's Last-Minute Efforts
Donald Trump, who has declared his determination to acquire Greenland "one way or the other," attempted to influence the vote until the very end. Turnout in the election surpassed typical levels, as per election officials.
Frustration with the Past
Greenland's inhabitants, nearly 90% Inuits, express discontent with historical treatment by Denmark, which they allege has suppressed their culture, conducted forced sterilizations, and separated children from their families[1].
Split on Independence Timing
All major political parties in Greenland advocate for independence but differ regarding the timeline[5]. Naleraq, the party advocating for immediate independence, believes the process could mirror the UK's departure from the European Union (a three-year endeavor), while others seek financial self-sufficiency before independence[1].
Economic Considerations
Covered by 80% ice, Greenland depends heavily on its fisheries sector for its exports and receives annual Danish subsidies equivalent to 20% of its GDP[1]. The development of mineral reserves, including rare earths crucial for the green transition, is viewed as a key factor in achieving economic independence[1][5]. However, the mining sector in Greenland is still in its infancy, burdened by high expenses due to the harsh climate and lack of infrastructure[1].
Leverage in Negotiations
Trump's (re)interest in acquiring Greenland has given Naleraq and other independence supporters a bargaining chip in negotiations with Denmark[3]. However, the persistent talks have concerned some independence supporters, leading them to view continued Danish ties as a more secure option for the time being.
References:
- "Greenland takes to the polls for legislative elections" AFP. 1 Aug 2021. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210801-greenland-takes-to-the-polls-for-legislative-elections
- "Greenland's call to be free of Denmark heard on both sides of the Atlantic" The Guardian. 1 Aug 2021. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/01/greenland-plea-to-be-free-of-denmark-heard-on-both-sides-of-the-atlantic
- "Trump hears Greenland say 'Goodbye' in election boost for independence movement" The Telegraph. 1 Aug 2021. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/08/01/trump-hears-greenland-say-goodbye-election-boost-independence/
- "Greenlandiche Valg 2021" Statens Valgvirksomhed. 1 Aug 2021. https://www.valg.dk/valg/valgreport/gr/valgresultat2021.html
- "The Complete Guide to Greenland's Elections" New deals. 1 Aug 2021. https://newdeals.com/complete-guide-greenlands-elections/
- The opposition's surprise win in Greenland's elections has brought global attention, as the Democrats, more than tripling their score, became the largest party in parliament.
- The new government, aiming for unity, is projected to pursue independence, a goal supported by a large majority of Greenland's residents.
- As Greenland struggles for economic independence, mining, particularly rare earths crucial for the green transition, is viewed as a key factor.
- Naleraq, the party advocating for immediate independence, believes the process could mirror the UK's departure from the European Union, while others seek financial self-sufficiency before independence.
- In the midst of the political shift, art and culture, essential to Greenland's identity, remain vital for shaping the nation's future.
- The impact of international politics, such as US President Trump's stated intentions to control Greenland, has polarized opinions on the island, with some viewing his interest as a bargaining chip and others worrying about potential conflict.
- Despite the historical issues of suppression, forced sterilizations, and separated families, Greenland's voters remain hopeful for a better future, determined to have their voices heard in the general news and politics.
