Voters in Nuuk, Greenland, waited in line to cast their ballots in the parliamentary elections on March 11, 2025. CNN
Greenland’s opposition party, Demokraatit, won Tuesday’s election with 29.9% of the vote. This closely watched election gained international attention after former US President Donald Trump suggested buying the island. The outcome has sparked discussions about Greenland’s future, especially as global powers like the US, Russia, and China compete for influence in the Arctic.
Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, is rich in natural resources like oil and gas. All major parties in the country support eventual independence from Denmark, but they have different approaches to achieving it.
Demokraatit, which won the most votes, favors a slow and careful path to independence. The ruling democratic socialist party, Inuit Ataqatigiit, also supports independence but believes it will take years of negotiation and economic growth before it can happen.
Another key opposition party, Naleraq, wants to cut ties with Denmark much faster. It also supports a defense agreement with the US. However, it did not perform as well in the election.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, when it gained more self-governing powers. In 2009, it took further control over areas like minerals, policing, and legal matters. However, Denmark still manages its security, foreign policy, and currency. Greenland also benefits from Denmark’s European Union and NATO memberships.
Greenland holds elections every four years to fill its 31-seat parliament. With the latest results, the coalition between Inuit Ataqatigiit and the Siumut party is expected to lose its majority. The election marks a shift in Greenland’s political landscape, with independence remaining a key issue.
