Greenland’s Opposition Wins Election as Trump Renews Takeover Talk- wna24

Greenland’s center-right opposition party, Demokraatit, has claimed victory in the territory’s election on Tuesday, setting the stage for significant political changes. The results mark a shift in Greenland’s leadership and come at a time when President Donald Trump has renewed interest in acquiring the resource-rich Arctic territory.

Five of the six major political parties in Greenland support independence from Denmark, including the pro-business Demokraatit. However, the party advocates for a gradual approach toward self-rule, unlike some of its rivals who seek a faster break from Danish governance.

The election was triggered last month when Prime Minister Múte Egede, leader of the left-wing pro-independence Inuit Ataqatigiit party, called for a snap vote. Independence was a key issue in the campaign, as Greenland remains a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark’s rule, though it manages its own domestic affairs.

According to preliminary results published by Greenlandic media, Demokraatit secured over 30% of the vote, while Inuit Ataqatigiit won just over 21%.

Greenland’s strategic Arctic location and vast natural resources have drawn increased global attention, particularly from the United States. Trump’s administration has shown a strong interest in the island, with the president recently reiterating his desire to bring Greenland under U.S. control, though he has not clarified what role the territory would play under American rule.

The United States has maintained a military base in Greenland since 1951 under an agreement with Denmark. While full independence remains a long-term goal for many Greenlanders, concerns over Trump’s ambitions have added an extra layer of uncertainty to the island’s political future.

Following the election results, Egede took to Facebook to acknowledge the outcome, stating that he respects the will of the voters and looks forward to negotiations over forming a coalition government.

Despite his loss, Egede has been vocal in rejecting Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland. “The territory is not for sale,” he has said in the past, adding that Greenlanders “do not want to be Americans, nor Danes.”

While the Demokraatit’s victory signals a shift in Greenlandic politics, the island’s future remains uncertain. The new government will have to balance its gradual approach to independence with external pressures from both Denmark and the United States. As Greenland’s political landscape evolves, the question of whether the island will chart its own path or be drawn into greater geopolitical struggles remains open.