Greenland’s centre-right opposition has emerged victorious in the country’s general election, according to near-final results.
The vote was heavily influenced by US President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire the Danish territory.
With more than 90% of ballots counted, the Demokraatit party is leading with nearly 30% of the vote. The party supports a slow and measured approach to independence from Denmark. Naleraq, a more radical opposition party that advocates for an immediate break from Copenhagen and stronger ties with the US, is in second place with around 25%.
Prime Minister Mute B. Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), another pro-independence party, is trailing in third with just over 21%. The Siumut party, which is part of the current left-wing governing coalition, follows with nearly 15%. The remaining two parties, Atassut and Qulleq, have much lower support, polling at 7% and just over 1%, respectively.
The election took place across 72 polling stations, with 44,000 eligible voters selecting 31 MPs to form the local government. Greenland, the world’s largest island, has been under Danish rule for about 300 years, managing its domestic affairs while Copenhagen retains control over foreign policy and defense.
Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland has added political tension to the election. He first proposed purchasing the island in 2019 and has reiterated his desire to secure it since returning to office in January. Addressing Congress last week, he stated, “We need Greenland for national security. One way or the other, we’re gonna get it.”
Greenland and Denmark’s leaders have firmly rejected the idea. Egede has made it clear that Greenland is not for sale and should be treated with respect. Despite US pressure, the election results suggest Greenland’s path to independence will continue to be shaped by internal debates rather than external influence.