Demokraatit Party Wins Greenland Election in Surprise Victory

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, center, chairman of Demokraatit Party, plays guitar as he reacts during the election party at Demokraatit by cafe Killut in Nuuk, early Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

The center-right Demokraatit Party secured the most votes in Greenland’s parliamentary elections, an unexpected outcome in a political landscape long dominated by other parties. The election took place amid heightened international attention, particularly from the United States, where President Donald Trump has openly expressed interest in gaining control of the island.

Both Demokraatit and the second-place party, Naleraq, advocate for Greenland’s independence from Denmark but differ in their approach. Naleraq pushes for rapid separation, while Demokraatit supports a more gradual transition. The election results suggest that many voters prioritized social issues such as healthcare, education, and cultural heritage alongside the independence debate.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of Demokraatit, described the outcome as historic. At the party’s election gathering, he expressed surprise at the results and pledged to engage with other parties to shape Greenland’s political future.

“We had not expected this outcome, but we are very happy,” Nielsen said. He emphasized the need for Greenland to remain united in the face of growing external interest.

Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede, who called for early elections in February, acknowledged the results and thanked voters for their participation. He stated that parties were now preparing for negotiations to form a government.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen extended congratulations to Demokraatit and acknowledged that the new Greenlandic government would likely face continued diplomatic pressure from the U.S. He reaffirmed that Greenland’s future remains in the hands of its people and government.

Greenland, a self-governing region of Denmark, holds strategic significance due to its location in the North Atlantic and its vast deposits of rare earth minerals essential for modern technology and renewable energy. The island has been gradually moving toward independence since 2009, and the newly elected 31-member parliament will play a crucial role in determining whether and when Greenland declares full sovereignty.

Four of the five major political parties support independence, though they disagree on the timeline and strategy. While Naleraq advocates for immediate separation, Demokraatit’s success signals a preference for a more measured approach. The formation of a coalition government will determine the pace of Greenland’s path to self-rule.