Greenland election results seen as rejection of Trump

Centre-right party tells US president ‘we are not for sale’

- NAMITA SINGH RACHEL CLUN

Greenland’s centre-right opposition party, which told US president Donald Trump that the country was “not for sale”, has emerged victorious in the country’s parliamentary elections.

The Demokraatit party secured 29.9 per cent of the vote, ending the ruling coalition’s majority, official results show.

Jens Frederik Nielsen, Demokraatit’s leader and a former badminton champion, is poised to play a key role in shaping Greenland’s future. Mr Nielsen has been an outspoken critic of foreign interference, particularly in response to Mr Trump’s suggestion that the US could purchase the Arctic island.

The pro-business party, which supports a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, saw a sharp rise in support from 9.1 per cent in the previous election. It outperformed the opposition Naleraq party, which advocates for a swift break from Denmark.

Mr Trump loomed large over the election campaign amid a debate about the island’s independence.

Mr Trump has long wanted Greenland to be part of the US, first stating his desire to gain control of the country in his first term and saying earlier this year he wanted to buy it. Ahead of the election, he reiterated his position and also refused to rule out using force to get his way.