Voters in Greenland are heading to the polls Tuesday to elect members of parliament in an election that also could signal what’s ahead for the arctic island’s push for independence.
President Trump has repeatedly proposed in recent weeks that the U.S. should take over Greenland as Denmark seeks to maintain its loose hold on the coveted semi-autonomous territory — at least for the immediate future. Meanwhile, leaders of the island have shown growing interest in becoming an independent country.
Greenland’s national election will determine control of the 31-member parliament, known as the Inatsisartut, but headlines around the world have largely focused on its fight for sovereignty and Trump’s acquisition offer.
Greenland Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede, who is the leader of the Democratic Socialist Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party, has been a vocal supporter of independence for Greenland’s nearly 57,000 residents.
The IA, the incumbent ruling party, supports independence in its platform, as do other major parties in the region.
It’s unclear when a referendum on breaking off from Denmark could be held, if the parliamentary elections elevate the movement’s supporters.
Meanwhile, Trump and his administration have insisted that U.S. control of the natural resources-rich land is “absolutely necessary” for national security.
“I think we’re going to get it,” Trump said during his speech to a joint session of Congress last week. “One way or the other, we’re going to get it.”
Some House Republicans have proposed legislation that would promote negotiations between the U.S. and Denmark to acquire Greenland, though Denmark officials have already rejected Trump’s proposition. One lawmaker also recommended renaming the island to “Red, White and Blue” land.
