Greenland’s centre-right opposition has won the country’s general election, near-complete results show, in a vote overshadowed by US President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire the Danish autonomous territory.
With more than 90% of ballots counted, the Demokraatit party, which supports a gradual path to independence, is leading with nearly 30% of the vote, election officials announced. The Naleraq party, a more hardline pro-independence group advocating an immediate split from Denmark and closer ties with the US, follows in second place with about 25%.
Incumbent Prime Minister Mute B Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), also a pro-independence party, is trailing in third with just over 21%. Egede’s coalition partner, the Siumut party, has slumped to fourth place with nearly 15%, while smaller parties Atassut and Qulleq are far behind.
The election, which saw 44,000 eligible voters participate across Greenland’s 72 polling stations, marks a political shift as debate over the island’s future intensifies.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, has been under Danish control for nearly 300 years. While it governs its own domestic affairs, Copenhagen remains responsible for foreign and defense policy.
The island’s strategic Arctic location and vast untapped mineral resources have long drawn US interest. Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland in 2019, and since returning to office in January, he has revived his ambition to take control of the territory.
“We need Greenland for national security. One way or the other we’re gonna get it,” Trump declared in his recent address to Congress.
However, Greenland’s leadership has firmly rejected his claims. Prime Minister Egede has repeatedly insisted that the island is not for sale, saying it deserves to be “treated with respect.”
Denmark has also dismissed Trump’s proposal, with officials in Copenhagen reaffirming Greenland’s autonomy and sovereignty.
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