The Democrats emerge victorious, reflecting growing public support for a gradual move towards independence from Denmark
The Democratic party in Greenland has achieved a surprising electoral victory, marking a shift in the island’s political landscape. The centre-right opposition, which advocates for a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, triumphed in the March 11, 2025, legislative elections. With nearly 30% of the vote, the Democrats surpassed their previous support by over 20%, according to near-complete results released on March 12.
Jens Frederik Nielsen, the party’s leader, expressed the need for unity in Greenland, given the increasing external attention on the territory. “Greenland needs us to stand together in a time of great interest from outside,” Nielsen told the media. “There is a need for unity, so we will enter into negotiations with everyone,” he added.
Now, the Democrats must negotiate with other political parties to form a coalition. The election was dominated by discussions surrounding Greenland’s potential independence and the growing influence of the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, has been under Denmark’s control for nearly 300 years. While the island governs its internal affairs, Copenhagen retains authority over foreign and defence policy.
The issue of independence has been at the forefront of the election, with five of the six major parties in favour of seeking independence from Denmark, although they differ on how quickly this should happen. The Democratic party, in particular, advocates for a moderate and gradual approach to gaining full sovereignty.
In second place, the Naleraq party supports an immediate push for independence and has proposed strengthening ties with the US, particularly following Trump’s ongoing interest in the territory. The US President first expressed a desire to purchase Greenland during his first term in office in 2019 and has continued to state his intentions since resuming office in January.
The two current ruling parties, Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) and Siumut, placed third and fourth, respectively, which came as a setback for Prime Minister Mute B Egede.
A total of 44,000 out of 57,000 eligible voters participated in the election, which selected 31 members of parliament as well as the local government. The vote took place across 72 polling stations scattered throughout the vast island.
Greenland’s geopolitical significance, particularly its strategic location and untapped mineral resources, has made it a point of interest for Trump. He has publicly stated that Greenland is crucial for national security and reaffirmed his intention to acquire the island, despite consistent rejections from Greenlandic and Danish leaders, who insist that the territory is not for sale and must be respected.
