Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has reiterated his country’s desire for independence from Denmark, the former colonial ruler. In a New Year speech, Egede emphasized the need for Greenland to shape its own future and cooperate closely with other countries.
The call comes amid growing tensions between Greenland and Denmark, sparked by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s comments on the island’s ownership. However, Egede did not mention Trump or the United States in his speech.
Greenland has been a self-governing territory of Denmark since 1953 and gained the right to claim independence through a vote in 2009. The country’s government presented its first draft constitution in 2023. Despite this progress, Egede believes that full equality with Denmark is still unattainable.
The Greenlandic people are divided over the timing and impact of independence on living standards. While a majority support the move, there are concerns about the potential effects on the economy, which remains heavily dependent on fishing and annual grants from Denmark. Greenland’s government has twice rejected Trump’s offers to purchase the island.
Greenland is due to hold parliamentary elections before April 6, and Egede has asserted that “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.” The country’s economy relies heavily on mineral resources, oil, and natural gas. However, these riches have yet to translate into sustainable economic growth.
The move towards independence marks a significant shift in Greenland’s rhetoric on its future, with Egede emphasizing the need for the country to take control of its destiny.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/greenlands-leader-steps-up-push-independence-denmark-2025-01-03