Greenland pro-business party tops election amid calls for independence

The Arctic Island’s Demokraatit party claimed the most seats in parliament according to the near-complete results of Tuesday’s election. The center-right party won about 30% of the vote as one of several parties in the race, followed by the centrist Naleraq party with about 25% support. Both parties support Greenland’s ultimate independence from Denmark’s rule and signal a growing national desire for autonomy. The election came after multiple comments from U.S. President Donald Trump about the possibility of Greenland coming under U.S. control.

How much control does Denmark have over Greenland? The Arctic island was ruled as a Danish colony until the 1950s when it gained greater self-governing powers, and was redefined as a district of Denmark. Today, Greenland leaders independently make all decisions around domestic affairs, but still yield to Dutch rule on larger issues of foreign affairs and international defense.

What is the Demokraatit party known for?

• It identifies as a center-right party that is pro-business.

• The party supports the establishment of Greenland’s independence, but at a more moderate pace than other parties.

• “We don’t want independence tomorrow, we want a good foundation,” - Demokraatit leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen told Reuters Tuesday night.

What does this mean for Trump’s plan? Nielsen previously described Trump’s interest in Greenland as a threat to the island’s political independence. However, some say that the party’s push for business development and increased focus on mining operations could sway leaders to remain open to Trump’s advances.

Dig deeper: Read Grace Snell’s report in WORLD Magazine about the international race for newly-available arctic resources.