Greenland’s Demokraatit Party secured a decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections, signaling a potential shift toward economic reforms and gradual independence from Denmark. The pro-business party increased its representation to 10 seats in the 31-seat Inatsisartut parliament and is set to initiate coalition talks.
“People want change,” said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Demokraatit, after the final vote count. “We don’t want independence tomorrow; we want to build a good foundation.”
The election’s focus on independence and economic development comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in Greenland’s strategic location and mineral wealth. Trump has described the island as “vital to U.S. national security” and suggested it could “eventually become part of the United States.”
Greenland, an Arctic nation three times the size of Texas with a population of 57,000, possesses vast mineral resources, including rare earth minerals essential for high-tech industries.
Despite gains by the pro-independence Naleraq party, which doubled its seats to eight, analysts suggest Demokraatit may form a coalition with outgoing ruling parties Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut to ensure stable governance.
Denmark, which has governed Greenland since 1953, still oversees foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy, contributing nearly $1 billion annually to its economy. While Greenland obtained the right to seek full independence through a 2009 referendum, concerns over economic self-sufficiency have delayed such a move.
A January poll indicated that while a majority of Greenlanders support independence, opinions vary on the timeline, with many favoring a gradual transition.
The election results have brought business development and mining to the forefront of Greenlandic politics, aligning with U.S. interests in the region. Mikkel Vedby Rasmussen, a political science professor at the University of Copenhagen, noted, “If you add up the election result, voters were driven by business development and independence. And that’s good news for Trump.”
Demokraatit aims to stimulate private sector growth, particularly in mining, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles to create a self-sustaining economy. The party also advocates for closer ties with Europe and opposed a 2021 ban on uranium mining that halted development of one of the world’s largest rare earth deposits at Kvanefjeld.
