Nuuk, Greenland, Feb 7, (dpa/GNA) – US President Donald Trump’s interest in making Greenland part of the United States, could give a new momentum to the Arctic island’s long-standing debate over independence, according to a local political scientist.
Professor Maria AckrĂ©n from the University of Greenland told dpa on Wednesday, that the island’s debate over independence from Denmark has been ongoing for years.
AckrĂ©n believes Trump’s remarks could accelerate the process, suggesting his actions are driving it forward.
In recent weeks, Trump has made forceful and at times drastic statements about taking control of Greenland, a largely autonomous Danish territory.
Unlike in 2019, when he proposed buying the world’s largest island during his first term in office, his current statements are being taken seriously by both Denmark and Greenland itself. Both Denmark and the US are NATO members.
The growing controversy surrounding the future of this strategically important territory is expected to play a major role in the lead-up to Greenland’s parliamentary elections.
The parliament in the capital Nuuk, on Tuesday approved Greenlandic Prime Minister MĂşte B Egede’s proposal to hold the elections on March 11.
AckrĂ©n believes that, in addition to the question of independence, Greenland’s relationship with Denmark and major powers like the US will likely be a key issue in the election campaign.
However, she speculates that a referendum on independence may still be a long way off, possibly not happening for another 10 or 20 years.
In response to Trump’s statements, the governments in Nuuk and Copenhagen repeatedly emphasized that the people of Greenland will decide their own future.
GNA