Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, made a significant declaration in his New Year speech, emphasizing the island’s desire for independence from Denmark. His comments mark a shift in the discourse surrounding Greenland’s political future, reflecting growing momentum for autonomy in the Arctic territory.
In his address, Egede urged for a future where Greenlandians could control their destiny, including choosing their international partners and trading relationships. “It is about time that we ourselves take a step and shape our future, also with regard to who we will cooperate closely with,” Egede said in an interview emphasizing the self-determination of Greenland. It’s a time since US President-elect Donald Trump, sparking a national debate, showed an interest in the “ownership and control” of Greenland recently.
Egede’s call for independence is not a new development, but it assumes much significance as Greenland’s independence movement continues to gather pace. A particular significant momentum driver towards the movement has been the island’s history with Denmark, particularly revelations of misconduct by Danish authorities, like an involuntary birth control campaign in the 1960s. Until 1953, Greenland was a Danish colony and is now a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. In 2009, Greenland gained the right to gain independence, and its government produced a draft constitution in 2023.
Egede admitted that even though a vast majority of the population in Greenland favors independence, there has been an on-going debate concerning the timing and what this will do to living standards. But he said that it was for Greenland to decide whether or not to seek greater autonomy. “It is now time for our country to take the next step,” he said, referring to the island’s relationship with Denmark as one that has not brought full equality.
Most recently, in 2019 and 2023, Greenland has refused to sell the island to the United States. Egede declared categorically, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”
Even though Greenland has rich resources, its economy still relies on fishing and financial grants from Denmark. With parliamentary elections approaching, Greenland’s future remains uncertain, with independence remaining a key issue on the political agenda.
