Incoming Greenland PM rejects annexation talk as unacceptable
Greenland's incoming prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has dismissed any discussion of annexing the semi-autonomous territory as "unacceptable."
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, will hold a parliamentary election on March 11 with independence a key campaign theme after U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants control over the world's biggest island.
Greenland became a formal territory of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953, with Copenhagen controlling foreign affairs, defence and monetary policy. It has had the right to hold a referendum on independence since 2009 and some locals see the election as a chance to secede.
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
Polls show that a majority of Greenlanders favour political and economic independence from its former colonial ruler. However, views differ on the timing and the potential impact on living standards, with Denmark contributing just under $1 billion annually to the local economy.
The island has a rich but largely untapped supply of resources, including ample rare earth minerals.
Trump sees Greenland's strategic location as the shortest route from Europe to North America as vital for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system.
WHAT WILL ELECTION DAY LOOK LIKE?
Polls will open on March 11 at 1100 GMT and close at 2200 GMT. There will be no exit polls, and the result is expected on March 12 between 0100 GMT and 0300 GMT.
WHO CAN VOTE?
Out of Greenland's 57,000 citizens, around 40,500 are eligible to vote, according to Greenland's Domestic Affairs Ministry. Around 27,000 people voted in the last general election in 2021.
There are 31 seats in Greenland's parliament, Inatsisartut, and 16 seats are needed for a majority.
WHAT PARTIES ARE RUNNING?
Inuit Ataqatigiit
Greenland's ruling party, the left-leaning socialist Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), led by Prime Minister Mute Egede, advocates for an economically and politically independent Greenland, but has not yet proposed a plan to achieve this.
IA opposes mining for uranium and other radioactive materials due to risks to the environment.
The party currently holds 11 seats in Greenland's parliament and is represented in Denmark's parliament by Aaja Chemnitz, who holds one of Greenland's two seats in the Danish Folketing.
IA has said it will not rush an independence vote through after the general election, cautioning about possible economic and welfare implications.
Siumut
Social democratic Siumut, led by Erik Jensen, supports a gradual succession from Denmark. It has previously suggested holding a referendum in the coming four years, but has recently backtracked on this.
The party proposes reducing the economic contribution of about $17,500 per inhabitant the island receives yearly from Denmark over the next 15 years as Greenland moves towards full independence.
Siumut currently holds 10 seats in Greenland's parliament.
Naleraq
Left-wing Naleraq, led by Pele Broberg, is the largest opposition party and strongly advocates for a swift transition to full independence.
Naleraq has said that becoming a sovereign state will spur new business opportunities for Greenland and wants to develop opportunities for industries such as fishing, which accounts for more than 95% of exports.
It has also said it wants to pursue a defence agreement with the U.S. and could choose a so-called "free association", under which Greenland would receive U.S. support and protection in return for military rights, without becoming a U.S. territory.
It could also consider such an option with Denmark, or another country.
Naleraq currently holds five seats in parliament.
Demokraatit
Social-liberal Demokraatit, led by Greenland's Minister of Industry and Raw Minerals Jens-Frederik Nielsen, envisions an independent Greenland with a free market economy.
However, it cautions against premature action to safeguard the people and economy from a potential decline in living standards.
Demokraatit currently holds three seats in parliament.
Atassut
The centre-right conservative party Atassut, led by Aqqalu Jerimiassen, advocates for unity with the Danish realm and opposes a transition to independence without a clear plan.
According to Atassut, Greenland is not yet ready for independence.
The party currently has two parliamentary representatives.
Qulleq
Newly-formed left-wing Qulleq, led by Karl Ingemann, advocates for rapid independence and wants full control of the island's resources, which it says could alleviate social and economic suffering among Greenlanders.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss ongoing efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he plans to visit India later this year, following a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about potential collaboration in technology and innovation.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman is scheduled to visit Moscow on Monday, just days after the commencement of a new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks mediated by Muscat.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment