Moderate Independence Movement Wins Greenland Elections Amidst Trump's Interest

Greenland's moderate centre-right opposition has won the legislative elections, marked by nationalist calls for swift independence from Denmark, a territory coveted by US President Donald Trump.

According to official final results, the Democrats party, self-proclaimed "social-liberal" and in favour of independence but in the long term, secured 29.9% of the votes, more than triple their previous election result in 2021.

The nationalist Naleraq party, advocating for the Danish autonomous territory to sever all remaining ties with Copenhagen, came second with 24.5% of the votes.

The current governing coalition, formed by the Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA, left-wing ecologist) and Siumut, social-democratic, was punished by voters who turned out in large numbers.

IA lost 15.3 points and Siumut 14.7 compared to the election four years ago.

Never before have elections in Greenland attracted so much international interest, given Trump's desire to gain influence over the territory.

Covered in 80% ice, this vast Arctic island with 57,000 inhabitants, nearly 90% of whom are Inuit, possesses hydrocarbons and significant minerals for the energy transition, attracting Trump's interest.

"We respect the election results," reacted outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egedem, leader of the IA.

As none of the parties are in a position to secure a majority of the 31 parliamentary seats, they will need to negotiate to form an alliance.

This coalition will need to outline the procedures and timeline leading to the independence desired by the majority of its population.

The US President, convinced of acquiring "one way or another" this Danish autonomous territory, has attempted to influence the elections until the last minute to renew the 31 members of the Inatsisartut, the local parliament.

"Our country is in the eye of the storm," said Prime Minister Egede on the eve of the vote. "The outside world is watching us closely, and we have recently seen how much they try to influence," he added.

The insistence, sometimes threatening, provokes astonishment, rejection, and, more rarely, enthusiasm among Greenlanders.

"I've had enough of his empty threats," said Anders Martinsen, a 27-year-old tax employee. "Many Greenlanders perceive the United States differently with Trump in the presidency, being a bit less willing to cooperate," he explained.

"Keeping our country for ourselves, this is the most important," said another voter, Lars Fredsbo.

Beyond the US President, electoral debates focused on healthcare, education, and the relationship with Denmark, which retains diplomatic, military, or monetary powers over the Arctic island.

Its inhabitants often feel treated as second-class citizens by the former colonial power, from which all major parties seek independence.

However, consensus cracks regarding the timeline: Naleraq nationalists desire it swiftly, but members of the outgoing government coalition condition it on economic progress.

Currently, the territory economically depends on fishing, which accounts for almost all its exports, and an annual aid of about 530 million euros (575 million dollars) provided by Copenhagen, representing 20% of the local GDP.

The more impatient independents believe Greenland will become self-sufficient by exploiting its mineral resources, especially rare earths.

However, its reserves are modest globally, and the mining sector is very embryonic, undermined by high exploitation costs due to the hostile climate and lack of infrastructure.

After proposing the idea of buying the island during his first term, rejected by Danish and Greenlandic authorities, Trump has returned to the charge in recent months.

Without ruling out the use of force, the Republican magnate repeatedly expresses his desire to acquire this territory considered important for US security against Russia and China.

On the night from Sunday to Monday, hours before the voting began, Trump again promised on his Truth Social network security and prosperity to Greenlanders wishing to "become part of the Greatest Nation in the world."

However, according to a poll published in January, 85% of Greenlanders reject this option.

Prime Minister Egede called for respect from Trump and lamented that his "very unpredictable" nature makes "people feel insecure."

Conversely, the opposition nationalists of Naleraq see in the White House owner a potential ally before negotiating with Denmark.

But in some cases, Trump's comments cool the independence fervour and strengthen ties with Copenhagen.

Kornelia Ane Rungholm, a municipal official from the town of Qaqortoq, admits she no longer wants "independence because Trump will take over us immediately."

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