Center-Right Demokraatit Party Wins Most Votes in Greenland’s Parliamentary Election After Trump’s Control Remarks- wna24

Nuuk: A week after President Donald Trump said that the United States would take control of Greenland “one way or the other,” the center-right Demokraatit Party won the most votes in a surprising result in Island country’s parliamentary elections, by defeating the incumbent left-wing coalition with 29.9% vote share, an increase from 9.1% in 2021.

Demokraatit garnered 30% of the vote, a sharp rise from the 9% they received in the previous election four years ago, according to Greenlandic Broadcasting Corporation KNR TV.

Both Demokraatit (the Democrats) and the second-place party, Naleraq (Point of Orientation), support Greenland’s independence from Denmark, but they have differing views on how quickly this change should happen.

“I think this is a historic result in Greenland’s political history,” said Demokraatit party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

Demokraatit’s unexpected victory over long-governing parties in Greenland highlighted that many residents prioritize issues such as health care, education, cultural heritage, and other social policies. 

The 33-year-old Nielsen appeared surprised by his party’s success, with photos showing him grinning widely and applauding at the election party.

Prime Minister Mute B. Egede’s leftist Inuit Ataqatigiit party and its coalition partner, Siumut, together secured about 35% of the votes, according to early numbers quoted by Bloomberg.

This marks a significant drop compared to the nearly 66% of the votes the two parties garnered together four years ago.

Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede called for the early vote in February, emphasizing the need for the country to unite during a “serious time” unlike anything Greenland had ever faced.