The 2025 Greenland General Elections were held on March 12, 2025, to determine the members of the Greenlandic Parliament, Inatsisartut. The elections took place under the shadow of disagreements among pro-independence parties and international factors, such as U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to take control of Greenland. As a result, the center-right Democrats (Demokraatit) Party won the elections but failed to secure a majority to form a government on its own.

_{2025 Greenland General Elections, March 12, 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

Electoral System and Voter Turnout

Greenland's parliament, Inatsisartut, consists of 31 seats, and its members are elected through a proportional representation system for a four-year term. Six major political parties participated in the elections. In a country with a population of approximately 57,000, around 44,000 citizens were eligible to vote. Voter turnout reached one of the highest levels in recent years, leading to polling stations remaining open 30 minutes longer than the scheduled closing time.

Election Results

The Democrats (Demokraatit) Party won 29.9% of the votes, securing first place. Party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen advocated for gradual economic growth and a step-by-step independence process throughout his campaign.

The Naleraq Party, which aims to take faster steps toward independence, came in second with 24.5% of the vote. Former Prime Minister Múte B. Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) Party finished third with 21.4% of the vote.

The party rankings and vote shares were as follows:

• Democrats (Demokraatit) – 29.9%
• Naleraq – 24.5%
• Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) – 21.4%
• Siumut – 14.2%
• Atassut – 5.6%
• Qulleq – 4.4%

_{2025 Greenland General Election Results - Graph generated by AI}

As a result of the elections, no party secured an outright majority in the 31-seat parliament.

Independence Debates

Most major political parties in Greenland support independence, but there are disagreements regarding how quickly the process should advance. While Naleraq and Qulleq advocate for separating from Denmark as soon as possible, the Democrats and IA favor a gradual transition, waiting for better economic conditions before making a move.

Among all parties, Naleraq has been the most persistent in accelerating the independence process. Party leader Pele Broberg insisted throughout the campaign that a referendum on independence should be held as soon as possible. However, public opinion polls indicate that while a significant portion of the population supports independence, many prefer delaying the process if economic conditions deteriorate.

_{2025 Greenland General Elections, March 12, 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

U.S. and International Influence

The elections attracted global attention due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements about taking control of Greenland “by any means necessary.” Trump first expressed his interest in purchasing Greenland in 2019, but Danish and Greenlandic officials rejected the idea. Ahead of the 2025 elections, Trump reiterated that Greenland was a “strategic necessity” for the U.S. and claimed that the U.S. must control the region for its security.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede strongly condemned Trump’s remarks, stating that “Greenland is not for sale” and that only the Greenlandic people can decide their future. The Danish government also criticized Trump’s statements, asserting that they would not allow foreign intervention in Greenland’s future.