Description: Greenland’s center – right Demokraiit has won the parliamentary elections in Greenland amid rising geopolitical tensions from the Trump administration. Leader Jens – Frederik Nielsen stated that despite the unexpected triumph, his party would look to everyone as coalition talks are set to begin next week. Greenlanders shifted from their traditional social – democratic voting culture of Simuit and Inuit Ataatigiit and opted for a more moderate approach in the Demokraiit path towards independence. Naleraq, a centrist and populist party was positioned second as their leader Pele Broberg pledged to support Nielsen’s Demokraiit in determining Greenland’s future. The winning Demokraiit would face several challenges as they would have to tackle key issues in healthcare, economy and foreign policy, especially after Trump’s aspirations to acquire the island over national security interests.
Impact: Demokraiit’s surprising election victory demonstrates the island’s shift towards adopting a moderate but constant approach towards securing self – governance and independence from both the US and Denmark. Demokraiit’s leader has left the coalition portfolio open as looming geopolitical threats from the US saw the Greenlanders politically mobilize and form a unified front in tackling future challenges for the island. Greenland would remain on the path of independence, but the pace might vary as most opposition parties as well as the runner – up Naleraq insisted of rapidly gaining independence and pushed the referendum initiative constantly. The island’s new administration is expected to initially challenge domestic issues such as boosting the economy and restructuring the healthcare system before challenging geopolitical issues such as independence and the US aspirations to acquire the island.