The center-right Demokraatit party, until now in opposition and representing moderate independence, won the legislative elections in Greenland with 29.9% of the vote, according to official results published today.
Naleraq, which advocates a quick separation from Denmark, came in second with 24.5%. The two left-wing government parties, in power for the last three years, and also moderate independence parties, suffered a decline in elections marked by the interest of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, in acquiring the Arctic island.
The socialist Inuit Ataaqatigit (IA) of regional president Múte B.Egede came in third with 21.4%, 15 points less than in the 2021 elections. The coalition partner, the social democratic Siumut, historically dominant in Greenlandic politics, obtained 14.7%, half the value of four years ago.
The liberal Atassut, moderate on independence, rose four tenths to 7.3%, while Qulleq, with a similar line to Naleraq, was left out of parliament with 1.1%.
Demokraatit’s victory was a surprise: it tripled its votes and went from fourth to first place, in an election in which the only poll – a month ago and with 30% undecided – placed it in third place, with almost 19%.
It is the first time since Greenland adopted autonomous status in 1979 that the winner of the elections is neither Siumut nor AI, the only two political forces that have led governments so far.
Naleraq, which had been ahead in the provisional count until midway through the election, also fared well, doubling its support.
“We want to reach out to everyone. This is a time when we have to stand together. On Demokraatit’s part, we are open to talking to all parties and seeking unity, especially with what is happening abroad,” Demokraatit leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen told Greenlandic public broadcaster KNR.
Nielsen, who during the election campaign criticized Trump’s “lack of respect” for Greenland, defended, after the announcement of the result, a calm stance towards the United States and the “building of a base” before talking about the creation of an independent state.
“We respect the election results. Now the work begins in a new period,” Egede wrote on social media, stressing that AI “is ready” to participate in the negotiations.
All parliamentary parties criticized Trump’s statements during the campaign, promising billions in investment in the island if it joined the United States, an option rejected by 85% of Greenlanders, according to a survey carried out several weeks ago.
Since 2009, Greenland has had a new autonomous status, which includes the right to self-determination, an idea supported by all parliamentary forces, but in the medium and long term, with the exception of Naleraq.
With just under 57,000 inhabitants on 2.2 million square kilometers – 80% of which are permanently covered by ice – Greenland depends heavily on economic aid from Denmark, which provides 40% of revenues, and fishing, which accounts for 90% of exports.
The voter turnout rate was 70.9%, five points higher than in 2021, when it was exceptionally low.
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