Greenland: Wants Independence, Just Not Right Now

On Greenland, there is broad political consensus that the country shall become independent. Just not right now.

Yesterday’s long political debate in the Greenlandic parliament, Inatsisartut, only revealed what has been public perception for a long time already: There is broad consensus among the Greenlandic political parties that the country shall strive for independence. But not now.

Lacks economic foundation

There must first be a viable economic  foundation for independence, and such a foundation appears to be some way ahead into a rather distant future.

One by one, representatives took the stand in parliament and assured the audience about their desires for Greenland to break free from the crown union with Denmark and the Faroe Islands – some time in the future. Only independent representative Michael Rosing begged to differ:

- Independence is not on my wish list. I want a Greenland that can provide us all with opportunities to a good life, to preserving our culture and to represent ourselves in the world under our own flag. These opportunities exist within the crown union, Rosing said.

- What is Greenland worth

The two clearly largest and most influential parties in Greenlandic politics, Siumut (social democratic) and Inuit Ataquatigiit (socialist) both want independence for the country – when the economy so allows.

Vivian Motzfeldt of Siumut expressed it like this:

- We have lived as a part of a state for many years, and a recurring question keeps coming up: What is the value of Greenland, how much are we worth?

Greenland has now started an irreversible independence process. Siumut argues that it is time to have an account for how it can be done differently.

Motzfeldt points out that this has to happen gradually.

Sustainable and viable

Her party colleague, Naalakkersuisoq (Minister) of Independence, Foreign Affairs and Farming, Suka K. Frederiksen, also emphasized it is important to Naalakkersuisut (the Self-Rule) that the road ahead rests on a sustainable and viable economy. In relation to that, it is also important to stick to a responsible fiscal policy that encompasses future-oriented investments in people and infrastructure.

The other major coalition partner of the Self-Rule Authorities, Inuit Ataquatigiit, was also careful to emphasize the importance of sustainability – also for an independent Greenland. Party spokesperson Hans Aronsen, clarified that they are still working for independence.

Responsibility of the individual

- In an overall perspective, this should happen on the basis of environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability.

Along with the economic and political development, individuals have to take responsibility both for themselves as well as for their future society, in the same way that the society holds responsibility for individuals. We of Inuit Ataqatigiit stress that we should be able to afford welfare. And we say this because we are facing significant economic challenges when it comes to independence.

Not cost-free

The Demokraatit (social-liberal) opposition party is more lukewarm towards quick independence for the country. Nivi Olsen stated that independence can only be acquired when citizens who are not self-supported today become self-supported in the future.

- These persons are the ones who will suffer in more ways than one if we choose independence right here and now.

She added that Demokraatit does not want people in Greenland to believe that independence for the country will come without costs.

Olsen’s party colleague and party leader Randi Vestergaard Evaldsen said in conclusion:

- We are not nor were we ever in doubt: We want Greenland to achieve independence, however, we do not want it immediately. It is important for us that we create a solid educational and economic foundation first, so that we can secure maintenance of service and welfare on today’s level for Greenlanders.