Greenland’s Democrats are set to announce a four-party coalition government on Friday following a heated election overshadowed by US President Donald Trump’s push to gain control of the Arctic territory. The new coalition, which will govern with a strong parliamentary majority, aims to project political unity as Trump’s administration continues to pressure the island.
Broad Coalition to Counter US Pressure
The incoming government will be led by Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the pro-business Democrats, who secured a surge in parliamentary seats during the March 11 election. His party, which won 10 out of 31 seats, has worked to assemble a broad-based coalition spanning different political ideologies. The coalition will hold 23 seats, leaving only the pro-independence Naleraq party outside of the government.
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Naleraq, which doubled its representation to eight seats, withdrew from the coalition talks due to disagreements over Greenland’s path to independence from Denmark. While Naleraq advocates for swift secession, the Democrats prefer a more gradual approach. The announcement is expected at 1100 local time on Friday, coinciding with US Vice President JD Vance’s controversial visit to Greenland.
Controversy Surrounding JD Vance’s Visit
Vance’s trip, initially met with resistance from Greenlandic and Danish officials, was modified after an outcry over his original itinerary. The vice president had planned to attend a local dog-sled race with his wife, Usha, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, despite not receiving an official invitation from Greenland’s government. Instead, Vance will now visit the US military base at Pituffik in northern Greenland, a key strategic outpost for Washington.
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The timing of his visit, on the same day as the coalition announcement, has raised concerns that the US is attempting to exert influence over Greenland’s political landscape. Trump has repeatedly insisted that Greenland is vital to US security and has made no secret of his ambition to bring the island under American control.
Greenland Stands Firm Against US Annexation
Despite pressure from Washington, Greenland’s leadership has remained steadfast in rejecting Trump’s territorial ambitions. Acting Prime Minister Mute Egede has stated that Greenland’s future will be decided by its people, not external forces.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen has echoed these sentiments, condemning Trump’s aggressive overtures as “a threat to our political independence.” While his coalition spans both pro-independence and pro-Danish factions, all parties agree on resisting any US takeover efforts.
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The newly formed coalition will face immediate challenges, including navigating tensions with the US while maintaining strong ties with Denmark. Greenland’s political landscape is further complicated by its economic dependence on Denmark, as well as its desire to increase autonomy over its vast natural resources.