Greenland’s center-right Demokraatit Party won a surprise general election victory yesterday, a closely watched decision that comes amid growing calls from residents for independence and President Donald Trump repeatedly expressing interest in acquiring the mineral-rich territory.
The Demokraatit Party, which advocates for a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, won around 30% of the vote. Party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen has openly opposed Trump's wishes to acquire the territory and will now hold talks with other parties to try to form a government coalition and move toward full sovereignty.
Greenland has been controlled by Denmark for nearly 300 years, but the Arctic island of approximately 56,000 people has been gradually moving toward greater autonomy, achieving self-rule status in 2009. Greenland's strategic significance is partly due to its mineral, oil, and gas resources. The island's location between Russia, Europe, and the US is also advantageous for defense and trade purposes, including being home to the northernmost US military base.
See details on the country’s strategic value here.
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