Amid the spectre of Trump, the opposition Democratic party unexpectedly wins the Greenland election.

Greenland opted for a total government reform following a tumultuous election campaign framed by Donald Trump’s threats to seize the Arctic island. This shocking outcome saw the center-right Democratic party more than triple its seats.

The Democrats’ victory over the former prime minister Múte B. Egede’s Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) as the largest party in the Greenlandic parliament, Inatsisartut, on Tuesday also resulted in Naleraq, the party most amenable to US cooperation and in favor of a snap vote on independence, doubling its number of seats and becoming the second-largest party.

Although they disagree on the rate of change, the Democrats and Naleraq, the party in second place, both support independence from Denmark. The Democrats want a more moderate pace, while Naleraq is the most ardently pro-independence.

Even Democrat leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen was taken aback by the outcome, which was an earthquake in Greenlandic politics. The IA, Naleraq, and the most recent coalition partner, Siumut, received more attention than the party, which has never won so many seats (its previous record was seven in 2005).

Greenland election opposition Democrat party wins surprise victory amid spectre of Trump

After losing over half of its seats, from 12 to seven, IA became the third-largest party. Leaders will next negotiate creating a coalition since no party has secured most of the 31 seats.

The Democrats, who identify as “social liberals,” have advocated for independence, albeit in the long run. “We’re delighted with the election’s outcome; we didn’t expect it to be this way,” Nielsen stated.

“The Democrats are open to talks with all parties and are seeking unity,” the 33-year-old former badminton champion stated, particularly in light of global events.

According to Greenland’s official broadcaster KNR, the Democrats had an unbeatable lead with 29.9% of the vote after 90% had been tabulated. Naleraq received 24.5% of the vote.

Pele Broberg, the head of Naleraq, congratulated Nielsen and stated that this election day “will be remembered.” “We will work with the people of the country to honor the power they have given us,” he added, thanking the electorate. I want to thank everyone for the day.

“We respect the election,” stated Egede, who on Tuesday claimed that the campaign had been “burdened by geopolitical tensions.” I’m overjoyed that so many people cast ballots. The party received 21.4% of the vote.

IA’s coalition partner, the head of the Siumut party, admitted defeat.

Opposition wins Greenland as nationalists surge

Most of Greenland’s 57,000 residents support the future government’s plan to chart a course toward independence. Following a string of scandals that exposed Denmark’s racist treatment of Greenlanders, such as the IUD scandal, in which up to 4,500 women and girls were allegedly fitted with contraception without their knowledge, and the “parenting competency” tests that have resulted in the separation of many Inuit children from their parents, the long-standing movement has gained significant traction in recent years.

According to officials, turnout in Tuesday’s election was more significant than usual. This was amid global attention primarily sparked by Trump’s declaration to Congress last week that he would buy Greenland “one way or the other” and make Greenlanders wealthy.

As the Danish defense minister, Troels Lund Poulsen put it, “This is a result that will change Greenlandic politics, understood in the sense that there will be a new government now.”

He predicted the US president would tremendously pressure the future Greenlandic government. The future of Greenland depends on what the people and government choose; hence, it is not true that you can steal a piece of the Commonwealth. It’s hard to say much about the Greenlandic administration because it hasn’t been established yet.