Greenland voters have voted for pro-business and pro-independence parties in a snap election shaped by debates over economic reforms and President Donald Trump’s interest in its vast natural resources.
The Demokraatit Party, advocating for gradual independence from Denmark, tripled its seats to 10 in the 31 member parliament.
Demokraatit Leader Jens Frederik Nielsen called the result a demand for “change,” telling reporters in Nuuk, “We want to build a good foundation, not rush independence.”
The vote followed renewed attention from Trump, who has called Greenland “strategically vital” and suggested adding it to the US.
Independence dominated the campaigns after Trump’s remarks, though Greenlanders remain divided on the timing of leaving Denmark.
A January poll showed most favour independence but prefer a slow transition.
The island, three times Texas’s size with just 57,000 residents, relies on Denmark for defence, foreign policy, and nearly $1 billion yearly funding.
It gained partial autonomy in 1979 and the right to seek full independence in 2009 but has hesitated to leave Denmark over economic issues.
The ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut coalition lost nearly half its support, dropping from 66% to 36% of votes.
The strongly pro-independence Naleraq Party doubled its seats to eight.
Demokraatit now seeks coalition partners to advance policies boosting mining and private sector growth.
“People want economic self-sufficiency,” said Nielsen, rejecting Trump’s interest as a “threat” to independence.
Nielsen’s party aims to cut bureaucratic hurdles, attract investment, and revive projects like the Kvanefjeld rare earth deposit, stopped by a 2021 uranium mining ban they opposed.
Greenland’s economy depends on fishing, which is 95% of exports, but holds untapped minerals key for tech sectors.
Development has lagged due to harsh climates, environmental concerns, and China’s rare earth dominance.
Demokraatit’s win signals a shift toward expanding mining despite the challenges.
Voter turnout hit 70.9%, up five points from 2021.