Greenland government talks: Pro-independence party out as anger builds over U.S. delegation visit

By Elías Thorsson March 24, 2025
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Candidate Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Demokraatit, speaks during a debate at KNR (Greenlandic Broadcasting Corporation) in Nuuk, Greenland April 5, 2021. Ritzau Scanpix/via REUTERS

Greenland’s pro-independence party Naleraq has withdrawn from government formation talks, citing irreconcilable differences with the centrist party Demokraatit — a move that comes at a politically sensitive moment, as a U.S. congressional delegation visit draws outrage across Greenland and Denmark, reports DR.dk.

Demokraatit leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen announced Naleraq’s exit in a press release, stating that while his goal had been to form a broad coalition, negotiations broke down over disagreements on activating Section 21 of Greenland’s Self-Government Act — the legal mechanism that could initiate a process toward independence from Denmark.

“It has always been my intention to form a broad coalition, as I believe that is the right thing to do in the situation our country is in,” Nielsen said “But that requires agreement on the terms of such a deal, and that has proven too difficult in the talks with Naleraq.”

While the parties reportedly aligned on several policy areas, Demokraatit insisted on a cautious, step-by-step approach to independence — a strategy Naleraq could not support.

“We want to ensure security for the population by hurrying slowly, building a proper foundation for sustainable political independence. Naleraq could not see itself in this approach,” Nielsen said.

The failed negotiations come as a delegation led by the wife of U.S. Senator J.D. Vance visits Greenland — a move that has triggered strong reactions in both Nuuk and Copenhagen. The visit, which includes meetings and military site tours, has been criticized by Danish and Greenlandic officials for lacking transparency and respect for local sovereignty.

With Naleraq out of the picture, Demokraatit will continue talks with other parties in an attempt to form a stable coalition. But the breakdown underscores ongoing divisions over the pace and path of Greenland’s potential independence — an issue made all the more urgent by rising international interest in the Arctic.