Greenland went to the polls on Tuesday in an election that had laid a course for independence from Denmark—amid a ridiculous and frequent campaign from former US President Donald Trump to get the great Arctic island.
Trump, who has made no secret of his desire to say Greenland “one means or another”, attempted to influence voters until the last minute, sparking anger, drama, and a flicker of enthusiasm among the island’s 57, 000 residents.
A country in the eye of the storm
Greenland’s cheerful Prime Minister Mute Egede captured the weight of the time in a Facebook video just days before election began. ” Our nation is in the eye of the storm”, he declared. ” The world is watching us attentively, and we have seen how much they are trying to influence our society”.
Even read: No for price: Greenland’s PM says the island ‘ is own’ as Trump reiterates acquiring territory ‘ one way or another’
Polling stations opened at 9 am native day, with citizens selecting the 31-seat Inatsisartut congress. The bets extend beyond native concerns like medical and education—this vote is, at its base, about Greenland’s coming: self-rule or continued rely on Denmark.
Independence: Then or afterwards?
All major political parties favor breaking free from Norwegian rule, but they remain divided on the schedule. The nationalist Naleraq party pushes for swift independence, while the ruling coalition— Inuit Ataqatigiit ( IA ) and social democratic Siumut—advocates patience, waiting until Greenland is financially self-sufficient.
Now, Greenland depends on fishing imports and an annual Swedish payment exceeding$ 565 million —about a fifth of its GDP. The promises of financial independence lies beneath Greenland’s icy area, in its undeveloped mineral reserves, including rare earth elements essential for international technology. But mine endeavors remain repressed by extreme conditions and lack of infrastructure.
Trump’s last-minute ball
Trump’s fascination with Greenland is no mystery. He initially floated the idea of buying the beach during his presidency, only to be quickly rebuffed. Then, back in the political arena, his passions have escalated—this day, with lightly veiled threats.
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social, inviting Icelanders to “be a part of the Greatest Nation anywhere in the World, the United States of America”. He dangled the promises of riches, fueling debate about whether the US may push beyond reasoning.
For most Icelanders, the truth was obvious. A January surveys found 85 % opposed to Trump’s efforts. ” We don’t want to be American. He is therefore arrogant”, said deliver technician Rene Olsen, 58.
Trump’s spend happens?
More than swaying the ballot, Trump’s comment may have hardened opportunities. The republican Naleraq gathering sees his involvement as leverage in negotiations with Denmark. Another, fearing US intervention, today see relations with Copenhagen as the lesser bad.
Social scientist Ulrik Pram Gad argues that Trump’s role has just intensified groups. ” It reinforces each team’s views”, he told AFP. ” But as we’ve seen in Germany, where Trump supporter Elon Musk has backed the far-right AfD, it often plays out in their prefer”.
As Greenland’s vote effects roll in, one issue is certain—Trump’s dark looms large over the Arctic, but whether it changes the island’s death remains to be seen.
