Greenland's independence push intensifies amid US tensions
- We deserve to be treated with respect and I don't think the American president has done that lately since he took office - declared the Prime Minister of Greenland in an interview before Tuesday's parliamentary elections. Last week, Donald Trump reiterated his intention to acquire the island. - One way or the other we're going to get it - he said while speaking in Congress.
- I think that the recent things the American president has been doing means that people don't want to get as close to (the U.S.) as they might have wanted in the past, - said Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute B. Egede, in an interview with the Danish public broadcaster DR.
He added that Greenland should strengthen relations with countries that "respect for the future." Greenland is an autonomous but dependent territory of Denmark, and discussions of full independence have persisted for years. The topic has resurfaced before the parliamentary elections that will take place on March 11.
Last week, in a speech in Congress, Donald Trump reiterated that he intends to acquire Greenland. - One way or the other we're going to get it - he declared.
In the snap elections to the Greenlandic parliament (Inatsisartut) scheduled for Tuesday, six parties are running, but only one - Naleraq - favors an alliance with the United States. The main topic of the election campaign is the pursuit of the island's independence, supported by the majority of politicians.
Prime Minister Egede, if his left-wing party IA (Inuit Ataqatigiit) wins the elections, announces an attempt to create a national unity government consisting of groups supporting independence. - I would like the new government to define the way in which we will achieve this, - he stated.
Greenland has formally belonged to Denmark for over three centuries. In 1979, it was granted partial autonomy, and in 2009, it took control over most internal matters. However, Copenhagen still handles the island's defense and foreign policy. It also provides financial support in the form of $600 million in annual grants.
Strategic location of Greenland
Greenland is strategically located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Melting Arctic ice is revealing rich mineral deposits that may attract foreign investors. The United States has been interested in this region for years; there is a US military base on the island, Thule, which is crucial for the US missile defense system - Bloomberg reminds.
According to one poll, 56% of Greenlanders support the island's independence, but opinions about its future are divided. 85% oppose joining the United States, even though some American conservatives - including influencers associated with the Trumpian MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement - try to convince residents of such a solution.
The current Prime Minister calls for "breaking the chains of the colonial era," but emphasizes that Greenland does not want to be a pawn in the geopolitical game between Denmark, the USA, and China. - We don't want to be Americans, nor Danes; We are Kalaallit. The Americans and their leader must understand that. We are not for sale, - he said in January.
