Greenland ruling party seeks independence vote by 2029
2 Min Read
The independence debate is gaining global attention after US President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the Arctic island.
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Siumut party leader Erik Jensen during a debate, on March 5, 2021, in Nuuk. (AFP)
One of Greenland's two ruling parties wants to organize a referendum on independence from Denmark as early as the next legislative term, according to its head in an aired interview for DR.
General elections are scheduled for March 11 in the Arctic island. Siumut, a social democratic party with around one-third of the seats in parliament, will campaign on the pledge for a plebiscite on sovereignty from Denmark, according to Chairman Erik Jensen.
The independence debate is gaining global attention after US President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the Arctic island, which is under Danish sovereignty but enjoys significant autonomy.
The second ruling party, the Inuit Ataqatigiit, led by Prime Minister Mute B. Egede, is also seeking an independence referendum but has set no timeframe. The next legislative term lasts until 2029, however, elections can be called at any moment.
Most Greenlanders advocate putting more distance between their territory and Denmark, although political parties largely agree that the island lacks the financial resources to survive without Copenhagen subsidies.
A recent poll showed a majority of the 57,000 people on the island opposed joining the US.
In December 2024, Trump declared that acquiring Greenland was a "necessity" for the United States.
His national security advisor, Mike Waltz, later stated that Trump was considering all possible options, including military force, to gain control of the island.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede quickly rejected the idea, reiterating that Greenland is not for sale.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also reaffirmed that Greenland remains under Danish sovereignty and is not for purchase.
