Greenland chooses: independence or Trump's influence?

Greenland chooses: independence or Trump's influence?

Grönland, Dänemark - On March 11, 2025, the citizens of Greenland coordinate about the occupation of the regional parliament. The choice is not only local, but also international importance, especially against the background of the increased interest of the United States under Donald Trump's presidency. Greenland, the largest island in the world with around 56,600 inhabitants, continues to belong to the Kingdom of Denmark, but has had an autonomy status since 1979.

The outcome of the election could have profound effects on the political landscape of the island. The Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), which was the strongest force in the last election in 2021, is committed to more independence from Denmark. According to current surveys, around 84% of the Greenlanders support independence, but on the condition that there are no economic disadvantages. At the same time, a survey shows that only 8% believe that Greenland is currently ready for independence.

international attention and raw materials

The choice falls into a critical phase of relationships with Denmark, Europe and especially the USA. Donald Trump has repeatedly announced that the USA would like to buy Greenland "in one way or another". This interest is closely related to the rich raw material deposits of the island, including oil, gas, uranium, zinc and rare earths. Trump also offered American investments in billions of billions to create jobs in Greenland. His son, Donald Trump Junior, visited Greenland in January 2025, which caused displeasure in Copenhagen because the country's operators regarded this as an interference with Greenland politics.

The autonomous government under Prime Minister Múte Bourup Eggede, on the other hand, emphasizes the right of self -determination of the GRÖNLAHTER and makes it clear that the island is not for sale. Eggede criticized Trump's statements as a lack of respect for Greenland democracy and appealed to the cooperation within Greenland.

political landscape and electoral system

six parties compete for election, including the Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), which, as expected, want a strong role in the parliament. The parliamentary construction in Nuuk consists of 31 seats that are elected every four years. The current government consists of the parties IA and Siumut, both of which support the independence of Greenland. After the elections, Siumut plans an independence referendum; Party chief Erik Jensen hopes to be able to carry out a vote about it within the next parliamentary term.

Greenland receives around 4 billion Danish crowns (540 million euros) from Denmark annually, which corresponds to almost half of the household. A new law shows that Greenland has banned anonymous and foreign party donations to protect political integrity and to counteract foreign influences.

The election day is closer: The polling stations close at 11 p.m. German time, and the first preliminary results are expected in the night of March 12th. Observers expect the topic of independence to be put on the agenda regardless of the election result, since Greenland continues to be an important geopolitical interest in the global powers.

For more information, the articles from fr.de , merkur.de and Sn.at are visited.