Greenland’s opposition Democrats party (Demokraatit) is winning Greenland’s elections with 29.9 per cent of the vote, according to preliminary figures released by local media on Wednesday.
The leading party is in favour of holding a referendum on the island’s independence. The Democrats are followed by the Naleraq party with 24.5 per cent of the vote. The People’s Community takes the third place (21.4 per cent). This party is also in favour of independence and has already promised to call a referendum on secession from Denmark if it wins.
Parliamentary elections in Greenland were held on March 11. This year’s vote is attracting particular attention because of American President Donald Trump’s statements that he wants to annex the island to the United States. In January, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that the kingdom’s authorities are ready to recognise Greenland’s independence, but it is unlikely that the island will become part of the US.
Under a 2009 agreement with Denmark, Greenland has the right to declare independence legally, but only after a referendum. According to polls, the majority of the local population generally supports the idea of independence from Denmark.
All the dominant parties in Greenland, the Danish autonomous region rich in oil and gas, are in agreement in seeking independence from Denmark. According to Reuters, Democrats party is taking a slower approach to the independence issue that emerged in this election.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said it was “absolutely necessary for national and even international security” to annex Greenland. The American leader even threatened to impose high trade tariffs against Denmark if it does not give up the island.
At the same time, despite the intention to hold a referendum on independence, not only the ruling but also opposition parties in Greenland are against the island becoming part of the US.
