Greenland celebrates its elections amid its desire for independence and the interest of the United States in its annexation

Greenland, the largest autonomous territory of Denmark, will celebrate its elections in the midst of a growing dispute regarding its independence from the European country and the increasing interest of the president of the United States, Donald Trump, in its annexation to the North American nation.

Prior to election day, which will take place on Tuesday, March 11, the only poll published over a month ago indicated the highest percentage of undecided voters in its history: 30%.

Slightly above this population group was the socialist party Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) with a 31% favoritism, the current governing faction through President Múte B. Egede. In the second position remains the social democratic party Siumut, which, together with the IA, has governed the island for the past three years in a coalition.

As the third force, with 19% preference, there is the Demokratiit, a party characterized by advocating for independence from Denmark more strongly than the other factions.

These will be the most anticipated elections since the establishment of autonomy in Greenland in 1979, where about 43,000 people will elect the 31 seats of the Inatsisartut or Parliament.

What do the people of Greenland think about Donald Trump's statements?

Donald Trump's constant desires to "acquire" Greenland have not been well received by the island's inhabitants or by the European nation itself. Since the beginning of his term, the Republican has publicly stated his intention to annex that territory for security reasons.

It has even been revealed that the businessman has had "heated" discussions with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen about his firm decision to buy Greenland, something that the government of this country has categorically rejected. As part of his "offer," the American president has promised security to the inhabitants of the world's largest island, as well as a trillion-dollar investment for its development.

Ramón Hernando and the Spaniards of Greenland see in Trump's invasion threat 'an opportunity to negotiate more independence'

In response, the island's population has expressed a widespread rejection of belonging to the United States. In an interview given to the Danish public television DR, Egede called for "respect" for the people of Greenland, in addition to defending his government with the intention of moving towards an independence without a fixed date.

Greenland seeks its independence

The series of rejections towards the United States has also led to a widespread sentiment of independence. Interviews collected by the EFE news agency have revealed the "joy" of the population, mostly young, for the stance of the Greenlandic government in rejecting Trump's proposition.

"I lived a year in the United States, I don't think it's a good idea to be part of this country. We have our own identity," expressed a citizen.

Egede himself has made it clear that his population is interested in achieving independence, even though a third of the island's budget is funded by Danish grants: "We don't want to be Americans or Danes, we are Kalaallit."

Despite being one of the central topics in the nation's current political landscape, the truth is that the majority of the population demands that the next government address healthcare, finances, and housing issues. According to a survey conducted by the local newspaper Sermitsiaq, 85% of citizens seek improvement in these areas.

Health and education deficiencies have even led to an increase in the number of Greenlanders in Denmark, about 23% since 2008.

*This article has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence