Greenland, March 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: Polls closed on Tuesday in the election for the Inatsisartut, Greenland’s 31-seat legislative body, marking a pivotal moment for the Arctic territory’s political future. The election, closely watched on the global stage, has taken on heightened significance due to renewed efforts by US President Donald Trump to assert influence over the strategically located island.
Voting and Counting Process
With approximately 40,000 eligible voters, the election has drawn considerable local engagement. However, due to Greenland’s vast and rugged terrain, ballot counting could take weeks as votes from remote areas are transported by boat, plane, and helicopter.
Key Election Issues
While healthcare and education were central themes in the campaign, discussions surrounding Greenland’s evolving relationship with Denmark dominated the political discourse. Greenland is a self-governing territory under Danish administration, with Copenhagen overseeing foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy. Pro-independence parties hope for a strong mandate to accelerate the island’s progress toward full sovereignty.
Trump’s Renewed Interest Sparks Debate
The election has garnered global attention, fueled by President Trump’s ongoing attempts to influence Greenland’s political trajectory. During his second term, Trump has reiterated his interest in bringing Greenland under US control, declaring his intent to acquire the territory “one way or the other.” His statements and last-minute attempts to sway the election have met with astonishment and rejection from Greenlanders.
Greenland has been moving toward increased autonomy since 2009, but Trump’s renewed claims have created uncertainty regarding the island’s future. “I think most of us have been scared since the new year because of [Trump’s] interest,” said Pipaluk Leynge, a member of parliament from the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party, in an interview with The Associated Press.
Geopolitical and Economic Stakes
Beyond security concerns, economic factors also underpin US interest in Greenland. The island is believed to possess vast deposits of valuable resources, including oil, gas, gold, uranium, and zinc, particularly in its southern regions. As climate change alters Greenland’s ecological landscape, these resources may become more accessible, enhancing the island’s geopolitical importance.
What Comes Next?
As vote counting proceeds, the world awaits the outcome of Greenland’s election. The results will not only shape the island’s leadership but could also influence its trajectory toward sovereignty and its stance in the face of renewed foreign interest. The people of Greenland have made their voices heard—what follows could redefine the Arctic’s political landscape for years to come.
