Greenland’s leader intensifies efforts to achieve independence from Denmark

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede highlighted his aspiration for independence from Denmark, its former colonial power, during his New Year address, signaling a notable shift in the discourse regarding the future of the Arctic territory.

Egede’s remarks followed statements from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who expressed a desire for “ownership and control” over Greenland. The Prime Minister also articulated a commitment to enhancing Greenland’s partnerships with other nations.

“It is time for us to take initiative and define our future, particularly concerning our close collaborators and trading partners,” he stated.

In recent years, the independence movement in Greenland has gained momentum, partly fueled by revelations of past misconduct by Danish authorities, including a coercive birth control initiative in the 1960s.

Once a Danish colony until 1953, Greenland is now a self-governing territory of Denmark and gained the right to pursue independence through a referendum in 2009. In 2023, the Greenlandic government introduced its initial draft constitution.

“The historical context and present circumstances indicate that our relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark has not achieved true equality,” Egede remarked. “It is time for our nation to advance. Like other countries globally, we must strive to eliminate the barriers to cooperation—what we can refer to as the remnants of colonialism—and progress forward,” he concluded.

He stated that the decision regarding independence rests with the people of Greenland, although he did not specify when a referendum might take place. While a significant portion of Greenland’s 57,000 residents favors independence, opinions are divided regarding the appropriate timing and the possible effects on living standards.

Greenland’s government has declined offers from Trump to buy the island on two occasions, in 2019 and again last year, with Egede emphasizing that “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”

The address did not reference Trump or the United States. Notably, Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is geographically closer to New York than to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Despite its abundant mineral, oil, and natural gas resources, Greenland’s economy remains vulnerable, largely reliant on fishing and annual subsidies from Denmark. Parliamentary elections in Greenland are scheduled to take place before April 6.