Greenland’s ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party has emphasized caution regarding a potential independence vote following the March 11 general election, expressing concerns over the possible economic and welfare consequences of a hasty decision.
The IA party officially launched its election campaign on Thursday, as renewed interest from the United States has reignited the country’s push for independence, leading to calls for accelerated secession talks with Denmark, its former colonial power.
“I will not be triggered by the heat of the moment to make decisions in a rush,” Naaja Nathanielsen, the resources minister in the previous government, told Reuters in a recent interview.
Polls indicate that while most Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S., a majority support eventual independence. However, there is significant debate over the timing of such a move due to concerns about its impact on living standards.
In a notable policy shift, Siumut, the coalition partner of IA, announced plans to invoke an article in a 2009 law that grants Greenland enhanced autonomy, including the right to negotiate full independence. Naleraq, Greenland’s third-largest party and a vocal advocate for independence, also aims to hold a vote on a potential independence deal within the next four years.
“For us, it’s not a matter of who can speak more brazenly about it. It’s about ensuring independence and the right alliances, and maintaining welfare levels,” Nathanielsen said.
Greenland’s economy heavily depends on fishing, which accounts for over 95% of exports, as well as annual subsidies from Denmark that cover about half of the public budget. Nathanielsen proposed that to achieve economic self-sufficiency, Greenland should focus on expanding its tourism and mining sectors, with plans to operate between three and five mines, up from the current single mine.
Since the establishment of its first parliament in the 1970s, Greenland has gradually moved toward independence. In 2009, the country gained further autonomy, including the right to hold a referendum on full independence. A draft constitution was introduced in 2023, and a commission was set up last year to assess the steps needed for independence.
“At some point, there will be a referendum. I cannot tell you if it’s the next election cycle, or the next again, and what it will precisely entail, but I know things will progress,” Nathanielsen said.
The left-wing IA party currently holds 11 seats in Greenland’s 31-seat parliament.
