Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, will hold a parliamentary election on March 11 with independence a key campaign theme after US President Donald Trump said he wants control over the world’s biggest island. Greenland became a formal territory of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953, with Copenhagen controlling foreign affairs, defence and monetary policy. It has had the right to hold a referendum on independence since 2009 and some locals see the election as a chance to secede.

What’s at stake?

Polls show that a majority of Greenlanders favour political and economic independence from its former colonial ruler. However, views differ on the timing and the potential impact on living standards, with Denmark contributing just under $1 billion annually to the local economy. The island has a rich but largely untapped supply of resources, including ample rare earth minerals.

Trump sees Greenland’s strategic location as the shortest route from Europe to North America as vital for the US ballistic missile warning system.

Who can vote?

Out of Greenland’s 57,000 citizens, around 40,500 are eligible to vote, according to Greenland’s Domestic Affairs Ministry. Around 27,000 people voted in the last general election in 2021. There are 31 seats in Greenland’s parliament, Inatsisartut, and 16 seats are needed for a majority.

What parties are running?

Inuit Ataqatigiit Greenland’s ruling party, the left-leaning socialist Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), led by Prime Minister Mute Egede, advocates for an economically and politically independent Greenland, but has not yet proposed a plan to achieve this.

IA opposes mining for uranium and other radioactive materials due to risks to the environment. The party currently holds 11 seats in Greenland’s parliament and is represented in Denmark’s parliament by Aaja Chemnitz, who holds one of Greenland’s two seats in the Danish Folketing.

Siumut, social democratic association, led by Erik Jensen, supports a gradual succession from Denmark. It has previously suggested holding a referendum in the coming four years, but has recently backtracked on this. Siumut currently holds 10 seats in Greenland’s parliament.

Naleraq, left-wing, led by Pele Broberg, is the largest opposition party and strongly advocates for a swift transition to full independence. Naleraq has said that becoming a sovereign state will spur new business opportunities for Greenland and wants to develop opportunities for industries such as fishing, which accounts for more than 95 per cent of exports. It has also said it wants to pursue a defence agreement with the US and could choose a so-called “free association”, under which Greenland would receive US support and protection in return for military rights, without becoming a US territory.

Demokraatit, Social-liberals, led by Greenland’s Minister of Industry and Raw Minerals Jens-Frederik Nielsen, envisions an independent Greenland with a free market economy. However, it cautions against premature action to safeguard the people and economy from a potential decline in living standards. Demokraatit currently holds three seats in parliament.

Atassut, the centre-right conservative party, led by Aqqalu Jerimiassen, advocates for unity with the Danish realm and opposes a transition to independence without a clear plan.

According to Atassut, Greenland is not yet ready for independence. The party currently has two parliamentary representatives. Qulleq, newly-formed left-wing party, led by Karl Ingemann, advocates for rapid independence and wants full control of the island’s resources, which it says could alleviate social and economic suffering among Greenlanders.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2025