Greenland’s Demokraatit Party calls for unity as coalition talks start

NUUK, Greenland

Greenland’s Demokraatit party is pushing for a broad coalition government, urging political unity as negotiations continue following the recent elections.

“The time is not for political tactics and internal disagreements,” Demokraatit leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a statement. “The situation for our country is far too serious for that.”

The first round of coalition talks has concluded, and parties are now working to form a government. Demokraatit has emphasized the need for pragmatism and compromise, stating that all parties must take responsibility for the mandate given to them by the people.

The call for unity came amid broader concerns over Greenland’s political future. “Now is the time to show the world that we stand together,” the statement said, adding that Greenland’s well-being should take precedence over party politics.

Demokraatit expressed hope that other parties in Inatsisartut, Greenland’s parliament, would join in forming a coalition that prioritizes national stability.

“When we stand together, we are strongest,” the statement concluded.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump questioned Denmark’s sovereignty over the island and said: “Denmark is very far away and doesn't really have anything to do. What happened? A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. They say they have rights to it, and I don't know if that's true. I actually don't think so.”

He said he has been in contact with Denmark and Greenland, and “we have to do it” – acquire the island.

“I think that’s why NATO might have to get involved in a way because we really need Greenland for national security. It’s very important,” Trump added.

"We have a couple of bases in Greenland already, and we have a relatively large number of soldiers there. And maybe you'll see more and more soldiers going there. I don't know," he said.

While press reports in the first weeks of Trump’s presidency reported with some incredulity on his ambition to acquire Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal, more recent accounts say Trump may be quite serious.

The island of Greenland – spanning more than 2 million square kilometers (800,000 square miles) – is rich in rare earth minerals crucial for high-tech industries, including nickel, cobalt and copper, in addition to its vast oil and gas potential.

Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, with the Danish government asserting its continued sovereignty over the island. A survey done in January showed that 85% of Greenland’s population opposes joining the US, despite Trump’s claims that a US takeover would be welcome.

Greenland's pro-independence Demokraatit Party (Democrats) won a plurality of more than 30% of the vote as results rolled in Wednesday, upsetting the island’s ruling parties.