"Want change"

Greenlanders vote for change of power in election

Party atmosphere with the opposition Naleraq party(Bild: APA/AP/Evgeniy Maloletka)

In the eagerly awaited parliamentary elections in Greenland, the inhabitants of the world's largest island have voted for a change of power. 

The opposition center-right party Demokraatit won 29.9 percent of the vote, according to the final results. The party favors a slow approach to independence for Denmark. The Naleraq party, which is also in opposition and aims for rapid independence, achieved 24.5 percent.

This is a huge increase compared to the last election in 2021, when Demokraatit scored just 9.1 percent. The parties currently in power only achieved 36%, compared to 66.1% four years ago.

Large majority rejects becoming part of the USA
Due to US President Donald Trump's claim to Danish territory, particular attention was paid to the election. Trump justifies his claim to Greenland with US security interests, and he also wants to exploit the mineral resources there. According to a recent survey, 85% of Greenlanders reject becoming part of the USA. 

A large majority reject Donald Trump's plans. But there are apparently also fans of the US president in Greenland.(Bild: AFP/ODD ANDERSEN)

"The people want a change. We want more economy to finance our prosperity," said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Demokraatit chairman and former Minister of Industry and Minerals. "We don't want independence tomorrow, we want a good basis." Nielsen can now form a coalition with other parties.

"Krone" followed the election on site
The currently ruling parties Inuit Ataqatigiit of Prime Minister Mute Egede and Siumut plummeted. "We respect the outcome of the election. Now the work begins in the new election period. And we are eager to hear what the parties will offer for the negotiations - we are ready," Egede wrote on Facebook.

The head of government has repeatedly stated that he is in favor of complete separation from Denmark. However, both he and coalition partner Siumit are slowing down the pace. He rejected Trump's ambitions.

"Krone" reporter Gregor Brandl conducted a short interview with Prime Minister Mute Egede on election day.(Bild: Gregor Brandl)

The ballot, in which around 40,500 of the 57,000 Greenlanders were called upon to elect a new parliament, was followed with great interest around the world. The "Krone" was also on site and was able to capture the mood in view of the tense geopolitical situation.