Greenland Pushes for Independence

Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B. Egede has called for independence from Denmark, marking a significant shift in the Arctic island’s political discourse.

Speaking during his New Year’s address, Egede urged Greenlanders to take decisive steps toward self-determination, shedding what he referred to as the "chains of colonialism."

“It is time for Greenland to take the next step. Like other nations, we must remove barriers that hinder our progress and chart our path forward,” Egede said, as reported by Politico.

Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of approximately 60,000, was a Danish colony until 1979, when it achieved self-rule and its own parliament. However, Copenhagen still retains control over Greenland’s foreign affairs and defense policies.

Egede, who has led Greenland since 2021 as head of the pro-independence Inuit Ataqatigiit party, emphasized the need for the island to represent itself on the global stage.

He criticized Denmark's control over Greenland’s international relations and trade, stating, “Our cooperation with other nations and our trade relations cannot continue to be filtered through Denmark.”

Egede’s remarks come amid renewed interest in Greenland by the United States. President-elect Donald Trump has once again proposed purchasing the island, a suggestion he first floated during his previous term.

Trump described acquiring Greenland as a "strategic necessity," sparking criticism from Greenland and Denmark. In response, Egede firmly reiterated that "Greenland is not for sale."

In 2019, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the US proposal as “absurd,” a sentiment echoed by Greenlandic officials.

Despite this, Greenland’s strategic importance, due to its abundant mineral resources and role in Arctic security, continues to attract international attention. The island is home to a key US military base and is seen as critical for trade and defense in the Arctic region.

Under a 2009 agreement with Denmark, Greenland can declare independence only after holding a successful referendum. Egede hinted at the possibility of aligning such a vote with Greenland’s upcoming parliamentary elections in April.

“We have already begun preparing the framework for Greenland as an independent state. The next election period should pave the way for these significant steps, in collaboration with our citizens,” Egede stated.