Greenland held its parliamentary election on March 11, 2025, amid heightened international interest, largely due to U.S. President Donald Trump's continued desire to annex the mineral-rich territory. With 41,000 registered voters, the election is seen as pivotal not only for Greenland's future autonomy from Denmark but also due to the geopolitical significance of the Arctic region.
Prime Minister Múte Egede characterized the election as a "fateful choice" for the Arctic, where Greenland, having gained limited autonomy since 1979, is now contemplating its path forward. Previous elections have been relatively low-profile, but this time, global attention has turned toward the island as the political stakes have increased.
Polling stations throughout Greenland closed at 10 PM GMT after voters, prompted partly by sunny weather, streamed to cast their ballots. Many polling stations extended their hours to accommodate long lines, with officials noting higher-than-expected turnout. Unofficial results were expected soon after the polls closed, but the official tally would take weeks due to the logistical challenges of transporting ballots from remote communities.
Trump's push for Greenland, once dismissed as unorthodox, has morphed the local electoral scene. "One way or the other, we're going to get it," he told Congress recently, underscoring his administration's plans. This statement encapsulated his administration's approach to asserting U.S. influence over the strategically located island, which sits between the U.S. and Russia, and possesses valuable rare earth minerals.
While Trump has professed his interest centered on national security, many Greenlanders see it as part of broader negotiations over their identity and autonomy. Opinion polls indicate strong support for maintaining independence; about 85% of respondents expressed no desire to join the U.S., with another 56% favoring independence from Denmark if put to a referendum. These sentiments were echoed by multiple candidates and party leaders during the election campaign.
The political environment has been affected not only by Trump's rhetoric but also by the rise of independence sentiment among Greenland's Indigenous population. Voter Sofia Rossen remarked, "We are not for sale. We won't be Americans." This sentiment reflects the widespread belief among Greenlanders, even among those who might support Trump, who advocate for self-determination.
Before the election, Prime Minister Egede called for unity during these uncertain times, urging citizens to recognize the significance of their electoral choice. The government's previous assistance from Denmark, which includes nearly $1 billion annually, raises concerns among some residents about the potential drop in living standards should independence be sought.
With Greenland's population hovering around 56,000, the island's significance has grown as melting Arctic ice has opened up new shipping routes and made resources more accessible. This has heightened its profile as major global powers compete for influence and access. Trump's interest has brought new urgency to Greenland's deliberations about its future, whether as part of Denmark, along with pending discussions about pursuing independence.
The election saw participation from six political parties, all of which articulated various views on Greenland's future. The ruling party, the Inuit Ataqatigiit, is known for advocating strong independence initiatives, whereas the social democratic party Siumut has historically held significant influence. Other parties, like Naleraq, hope for rapid independence but are often tempered by economic concerns.
Trump's aggressive posture has disturbed local political dynamics, prompting candidates to rally around the cause of independence more fervently. Doris Jensen, representing one of the parties, noted, "The situation has changed because of Trump and because of the world," emphasizing the urgent need to act on Greenland's sovereignty.
Despite the called attention from the White House, many Greenlanders cherish their culture and identity, indicating they want control over their destiny. The mantra of being "open for business, not for sale" resonates throughout the campaign and discussions surrounding the country's future.
The election, reflecting both local decisions and international pressures, encapsulates the tensions between historical colonial legacies and modern Independence aspirations. The vast area of Greenland—2.16 million square kilometers—remains largely unspoiled, prompting significant debate about its resources and the accompanying environmental impacts of extraction.
While unofficial results are likely to surface soon, the full count will take longer due to logistical issues connected with ballot transportation. Greenlanders are poised for discussions about their future, knowing well they have alternatives beyond simply aligning with U.S. interests.
With certification of the vote delayed, the coming weeks will reveal how much the ballot reflects the sentiment toward independence, particularly as Greenland navigates its place on the global stage amid increased scrutiny from Washington and competing nations.