The Greenlanders did not like the Danes. They have a lot of claimsto both the Danish monarchy and local authorities. They often feel treated as second -class citizens. That is why, just before the election, politicians in Copenhagen avoid public statements about the upcoming vote. The Danish government refuses to comment, and parliamentarians gathered in the so -called The Greenland commission also prefer to remain restrained.
As she heard Interia in Copenhagen: – We don't want to be accused of Mixing in voting in the autonomous region of the Arcticso as not to discourage people.
This is a completely opposite tactic from the one that the American president received a week before the election, announcing that he would take Greenland anyway, offering its residents a better life after joining the United States. Trump He also referred directly to the election.
Trump's strategy puts the Danes in a difficult situation because it is not entirely known, what the American president really expects from Greenland. Prof. Ole Wæver, a political scientist from the University of Copenhagen, notes in an interview with Interia that it is probably not about national security issues.
– Trump talks about a certain security loomwhich I can't see, however. Americans have been in Greenland for several decades. They have a base there, their presence is clearly visible. Trump also points to a threat from Russian and Chinese ships, but that's not true. Also a theory of important raw materials that would be valuable for USAseems absurd. Americans could invest without problems what the Greenlanders would please, because their potential remains unused. Of course, there is another theory: Trump just wants to show the world that he can take over Greenland, and then decide what he will do with her.
When asked what theory Danes are most afraid of, Wæver replies: – I will say differently. I think they would prefer to make it a safety, because then you can always answer Trump that the Danes will take over more responsibility for security in the Arctic region.
However, are the Danes ready for a greater presence in this region? According to prof. Wæver, Dania She would now have a big problem with a significant increase in its activity in Greenland, especially at sea and air.
Trump's aspirations can shake the international order
American presence in Greenland It is significant and does not bother the Greenlanders themselves. This was the case during the Cold War and it remains so to this day. Americans have radars on the island that allows you to control Russia i China. Dr. Ulrik Pram Gad from the Danish Institute of International Affairs indicates the great investment possibilities that the USA has today in Greenland, including in the extraction of minerals and rare elements.
At the same time, he warns that Trump's speculation and declarations can become a serious global problem. – It would be a violation of international law. In a sense, this would mean the end of international law in its current shape. For the West it would be a huge problem in relations with America, because how to talk to someone who occupies the territory of its ally? – emphasizes Gad.
Tuesday elections are of great importance primarily for the inhabitants of Greenland. They can become a tender card in negotiations regarding future relations with Copenhagen. It is both about greater autonomy and money that Greenland is needed. Copenhagen transfers NUUK a year Four billion Danish crowns (over EUR 500 million). Despite the high potential, Greenland is struggling with serious problems, including in the education and health protection system.
Already during the first visit of Interia journalists on the island, even the greatest supporters of Trump – mainly populists from the Nalerq party – They were skeptical about American polls suggesting that as much as 60 percent residents want to join the USA. Independence remains the main goal of the Greenlanders, and the local parliament has already begun preparations to develop their own constitution.
The upcoming elections will show what path Greenland will choose, which has long talked about changes in relations with Denmark and wants to use the moment when the world pays attention to this region. Initially, the elections were to take place in April, but the parliament decided that the residents would go to the Urns 11 Brand.
For Interia from Copenhagen Tomasz Lejman