NewsGreenlanders rally for sovereignty against Trump's takeover idea

Greenlanders rally for sovereignty against Trump's takeover idea

About a thousand Greenlanders gathered in front of the U.S. consulate in the island's capital, Nuuk. The purpose of the protest was to express opposition to Donald Trump's threats of the United States taking over the island. According to authorities, it was one of the largest demonstrations in the history of the island, which has a population of 56,000.

Residents of Greenland protest against Trump's plans
Residents of Greenland protest against Trump's plans
Images source: © PAP | PAP/EPA/CHRISTIAN KLINDT SOELBECK
Justyna Lasota-Krawczyk

What do you need to know?

  • Demonstration in Nuuk: In the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, a thousand people protested in front of the U.S. consulate against Donald Trump's statements about the U.S. taking over the island.
  • Political support: The outgoing Prime Minister, Mute B. Egede, and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the winner of the last parliamentary elections, participated in the demonstration.
  • Political reaction: The leaders of five parties in the Greenland parliament issued a statement condemning Trump's statements as unacceptable.

Greenlanders have had enough of Trump

About a thousand Greenlanders gathered on Saturday in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk to express opposition to Donald Trump's statements about the possibility of the United States taking over the island. The demonstrators sang the Greenlandic anthem and left flags and banners in the snow in front of the consulate building.

Key politicians from Greenland also participated in the demonstration. The outgoing Prime Minister Mute B. Egede and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who won the last parliamentary elections, gave short speeches emphasizing the importance of the island’s sovereignty.

Strong reaction to announcements from the USA

Donald Trump's statements were met with a strong reaction from Greenlandic politicians. The leaders of five parties in the Greenland parliament issued a joint statement expressing their outrage. "We as party leaders find this behaviour unacceptable towards friends and allies in a defence alliance," they emphasized in the statement.

Greenland, an autonomous territory dependent on Denmark, is striving for independence but only after achieving economic independence. The island's authorities are currently dependent on grants from Copenhagen, which further complicates the political situation.

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