In a bold and strategic move set to redefine Greenland’s future, the governing party Siumut has announced plans to hold a referendum on independence from Denmark at the earliest opportunity. This announcement by party leader Erik Jensen marks a significant shift in Greenland’s political landscape and is drawing attention both locally and internationally.
Swift political shift
Amid internal party debates and mounting calls for faster progress toward sovereignty, Erik Jensen has declared his intention to activate a key provision in Greenland’s self-government law. In an interview with DR, he stated:
“We have a commission work that has been approved. Furthermore, we can do something in parallel; we can activate paragraph 21 and start negotiations with the Danish government. That is what we will base our election campaign on.”
This underscores the party’s commitment to initiating negotiations with Denmark by activating paragraf 21—the clause outlining the process for Greenlandic independence.
The roadmap to a referendum
Detailing the proposed timeline during an interview with TV 2, Erik Jensen explained the process:
“The commission work will take place over the next two years, and then we will have negotiations, which of course will proceed with the Danish government. And once that is finished, it will naturally be put to a vote among the population. And that is what we intend to do in the next election period.”
This dual-track approach involves continuing the commission’s work while initiating formal negotiations with Danish officials, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S). The objective is to ensure that when the referendum is held—projected to occur within the next election period—the Greenlandic population is fully informed about the consequences and the available models for self-governance.
Balancing progress and prudence
While the announcement has energized supporters of Greenlandic independence, it has also spurred cautious debate among political analysts and rival party figures. Erik Jensen stressed that the referendum must be conducted on a well-informed basis:
“I expect it will happen within the next election period. But it must be on an informed basis so that the people are not in doubt about the consequences. We have a welfare society that must function.”
Adding another perspective, Henrik Rejnholt Andersen, the Greenlandic spokesperson for Moderaterne (M), expressed support for a referendum while cautioning against immediate, full independence:
“I hope and do not believe that they will want 100% independence, because I don’t think they are ready. And they probably won’t be even in four years.”
Similarly, Karsten Hønge, spokesperson for SF, emphasized the need for a definitive resolution on the future of the Rigsfællesskabet, humorously noting:
“It is unbearable in the long run that every morning you get up and the first thing your partner does is play ‘Should I stay or should I go.'”
International and strategic implications
The accelerated push for a Greenlandic independence referendum comes as global geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic intensify. Observers note that international interests, particularly from the United States and China, are increasingly focused on Greenland’s resources and strategic location. This external pressure only heightens the urgency for Greenland’s political leaders to secure a clear mandate from their citizens regarding independence.
Activating paragraf 21 will not only initiate formal negotiations with Denmark but will also mark a significant step toward redefining the historical relationship between the two nations. The outcome of this referendum is expected to have profound economic, social, and geopolitical implications.
Elections on March 11
With the next Greenlandic elections scheduled for March 11 and the referendum anticipated to occur within the upcoming election cycle, the coming months will be critical for both political stakeholders and the Greenlandic populace. As events unfold, all eyes will be on Siumut and Erik Jensen to see how they balance the complexities of independence with maintaining Greenland’s welfare and stability.
This landmark announcement is set to dominate both local and international headlines, reaffirming Greenland’s pivotal role in the evolving narrative of Arctic sovereignty and self-determination.
