Greenland's election: Independence at the forefront amid US tension
- We deserve to be treated with respect and I don't think the American president has done that lately since he took office - declared the Prime Minister of Greenland in an interview prior to Tuesday's parliamentary elections. Last week, Donald Trump reiterated his intention to acquire the island. - One way or the other we're going to get it - he stated while addressing Congress.
- I think that the recent things the American president has been doing means that people don't want to get as close to (the U.S.) as they might have wanted in the past - said Greenland's Prime Minister Mute B. Egede in an interview with the Danish public broadcaster DR.
He added that Greenland should strengthen relations with countries that "respect for the future." Greenland is an autonomous but dependent territory of Denmark, and there has been discussion about full independence for years. The topic has resurfaced before the parliamentary elections scheduled for 11 March.
Last week, in a speech to Congress, Donald Trump reiterated his intention to acquire Greenland. - One way or the other we're going to get it - he declared.
In the snap elections for the Greenlandic parliament (Inatsisartut) scheduled for Tuesday, six parties are in the running, but only one - Naleraq - supports an alliance with the United States. The main issue of the election campaign is the pursuit of the island's independence, supported by the majority of politicians.
Prime Minister Egede, if his left-wing party, IA (Inuit Ataqatigiit), wins the election, plans an attempt to form a national unity government comprising groups supporting independence. - I would like the new government to identify the method by which we will achieve this - he stated.
Greenland has been under Danish control for over three centuries. In 1979, it was granted partial autonomy, and in 2009, it assumed control over most internal matters. However, Copenhagen still handles the island's defence and foreign policy. It also provides financial support in the form of approximately $600 (€550) million in annual grants.
Strategic location of Greenland
Greenland is strategically positioned between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Melting Arctic ice is revealing rich mineral deposits that may attract foreign investors. The United States has shown interest in this region for years - there is a US military base on the island, Thule, which is crucial for the US missile defence system, as Bloomberg notes.
According to one poll, 56% of Greenlanders support the island's independence, but opinions about its future are divided. 85% oppose joining the United States, even though some American conservatives - including influencers associated with the Trumpian MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement - attempt to persuade residents towards such a solution.
The current Prime Minister calls for "breaking the chains of the colonial era," but emphasises that Greenland does not wish to be a pawn in the geopolitical game between Denmark, the USA, and China. - We don't want to be Americans, nor Danes; We are Kalaallit. The Americans and their leader must understand that. We are not for sale - he stated in January.
