The community hall in Greenland’s capital buzzed with the warm presence of its citizens, a stark contrast to the coldness outside. As locals shook the snow off their coats, major party candidates took their seats, ready to answer questions from attendees.

Packed to the brim, the hall also played host to two dozen international journalists who stood along the walls. A man in a black and gray sweater boldly stepped to the microphone and questioned the difficulty of running a small business. Cameras flashed, and some journalists, equipped with spikes to prevent slips on the ice, were asked by the moderator to remove them for fear of damaging the floor.

Greenlanders are preparing to vote in what promises to be the most significant election the island has ever seen, due to President Trump’s interest in the United States obtaining control over Greenland. Despite ruling out force, Trump has made promises to Greenland’s population, focusing national and international attention on the Arctic region.

Greenland’s political parties offer varying visions for the nation’s future, with some pushing for an independent relationship with the United States, decoupling from Denmark — which has governed Greenland and controlled key aspects of its affairs for centuries.

For Greenland’s 56,000 residents, geopolitics are not the main concern; everyday issues such as living costs, employment, schools, and healthcare take precedence. Rasmus Leander Nielsen, a political scientist at Ilisimatusarfik University in Nuuk, described this as a ‘cross-pressure’ of competing narratives, with daily life matters weighing more than geopolitical debates for the average voter.

President Trump’s proposition to purchase Greenland from Denmark, initially dismissed, has resurfaced with new vigor. His refusal to rule out force has caused concern in Europe, where relations with the Trump administration are strained.

Diplomats and investors from various continents are drawn to Nuuk by Greenland’s resources and its strategic location — the island’s minerals and its position near the opening Arctic sea lanes have caught global attention. In spite of these grand visions, locals worry about increased housing costs and economic uncertainty.

At the core of the election is Greenland’s autonomy. A colony of Denmark for over two centuries, Greenlands’ Inuit population has sought greater control. Advocacy for independence has led to more self-rule, yet full sovereignty remains elusive due to Denmark’s financial support.

There is broad agreement amongst major political parties that Greenland should be independent, with differences in opinion on how and when to achieve this, as well as the nature of Greenland’s relationship with the United States and Denmark.

While no major politician has spoken of becoming an American state, some favor closer ties with the U.S., seeing it as a potential source of protection and investment. The U.S. military maintains a presence on Greenland, solidifying its ongoing involvement in the island’s affairs.

Other parties, like the Demokraatit, tread more cautiously regarding independence and relations with Washington, expressing concern for the immediate well-being of Greenlanders.

The rough and unpredictable weather complicates the election process with votes transported by helicopter, boat, and snowmobile, and then counted manually, with results communicated via email or satellite phone.

Election security is a concern, as Danish intelligence has alerted voters about potential foreign interference through deceptive social media content meant to create discord.

As the voting day draws closer, Greenland’s streets are adorned with political posters and banners symbolizing the intense election campaign. The focus among voters like John Nathansen, a 66-year-old pensioner, is on the practical conditions of life rather than the broader geopolitical picture.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/10/world/europe/trump-greenland-election.html