Greenlanders are set to deal with a vital basic election with a push for self-reliance a crucial concern after United States President Donald Trump restated his interest in taking control.
The Inatsisartut parliament includes 31 MPs to be picked from 6 political celebrations– 2 of which remain in the governing union, Inuit Ataqatigiit and the Simiut celebrations.
The leader of the celebration that wins the most seats in parliament in the March 11 vote ends up being prime minister – presently Mute Egede of the left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit celebration.
While viewpoint surveys are uncommon in Greenland, a January poll recommended the Inuit Ataqatigiit might acquire 31 percent, 9 percent ahead of the Siumut celebration.
The island ended up being an official area of Denmark in 1953 and undergoes the Danish constitution. In 2009, the island was approved broad independent autonomy, consisting of the right to state self-reliance from Denmark through a referendum.
Siumut has actually improved its appeal by assuring a self-reliance referendum after the election. Naleraq, the biggest opposition celebration, has actually likewise looked for to acquire assistance with its pro-independence position allied to a desire to team up with the United States.
In 2019 then-president Trump stated he wanted to to acquire control of the mineral-rich Arctic area triggering a diplomat spat with Denmark with a very first deal to purchase Greenland.
At that time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredericksen turned down the concept, stating: “Greenland is not for sale. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland comes from Greenland. I highly hope that this is not suggested seriously.” Soon after, President Trump cancelled a prepared journey to Copenhagen.
Having actually discussed Greenland a variety of times because going back to the White Home in January, Mr Trump resolved the United States Congress recently and doubled down. “We require Greenland for nationwide security. One method or the other we’re gon na get it,” he stated, triggering applause and laughter from a variety of political leaders, consisting of Vice President JD Vance.
Hours after President Trump made his newest overtures, Greenland’s Prime Minister Egede published “Greenland is ours.” on Facebook.
Here, The Independent takes a look at the leaders of the 6 political celebrations included.
Mute EgedeMute Egede is the existing prime minister of Greenland as leader of the Inuit Ataqatigiit celebration.
Mr Egede ended up being the youngest leader of Greenland in 2021 when he was chosen.
The prime minister required self-reliance from Denmark in a New Year’s address and rebuffed Donald Trump’s claims.
“It is now time to take the next action for our nation,” Prime Minister Egede stated, including that Greenland should get rid of “the shackles of the colonial age”.
The celebration is likewise prioritising well-being, a more powerful economy with more tasks, much better health and education and sustainable advancement this election, according to its site.
Erik JensenPro-independence Erik Jensen is presently leading the social-democratic Siumut celebration, a partner in Greenland’s existing union federal government.
Siumut prepares to conjure up a post in a 2009 law that gave Greenland increased autonomy, consisting of the right to work out complete self-reliance.
Mr Jensen informed Danish broadcaster DR he anticipated the vote on self-reliance would occur “within the next election duration”, however did not offer any more information.
Elections are held every 4 years.
“It (a self-reliance choice) need to be on a notified basis, so that the population is not in doubt about the effects. We have a well-being society that need to work. We have some financial elements that we likewise require to take a look at,” Mr Jensen stated.
Pele BrobergPele Broberg is the existing leader of Greenland’s the majority of outspoken pro-independence celebration, Naleraq.
“Individuals who colonised the nation are not expected to be enabled to choose whether they wish to continue (colonising),” Mr Broberg informed the Danish everyday Berlingske.
Mr Broberg previously functioned as foreign minister however was benched after he recommended that just ethnic Inuit individuals and their descendents might be qualified to enact a future referendum. He later on stated his remarks to Berlingske were misinterpreted.
Jens Frederik NielsenJens Frederik Nielsen leads the centre-right Demokraatit celebration and is called Greenland’s badminton champ.
In action to a current expense prohibiting foreign contributions to political celebrations, Mr Nielsen stated Trump’s remarks are “a hazard to our political self-reliance”.
“We need to safeguard ourselves,” he included.
Mr Nielsen signed a signed a political cooperation contract with Denmark’s Liberal Alliance in January, Danish everyday Berlingske reported.
Mr Nielsen stated “we remain in the middle of an interesting and important time in the relationship in between Greenland and Denmark”, according to Berlingske.
Aqqalu JerimiassenAqqalu Jerimiassen heads the liberal and unionist Atassut celebration and was previously minister of company and energy.
He specialised as a service financial expert in tourist and has actually been a co-owner of traveler business Ilulissat Water Safari.
He has actually been re-elected in several local elections and was a deputy mayor for a brief duration.
Mr Jerimiassen likewise opposed Trump’s remarks.
“We need to preserve great relations with the United States, however Greenland needs to not enter into the United States, either now or in the future,” he stated, according to China Daily.
Karl IngemannKarl Ingemann leads a brand-new self-reliance celebration, Qulleq, which was formed in 2023 by previous members of Siumut and Naleraq.
Mr Ingemann thinks Greenland’s resources have actually been mishandled, according to Danish news firm Ritzau.
He originates from the village of Maniitsoq on a Western Greenlandic island.