In a stunning political upset, Greenland’s centre-right Demokraatit Party won the parliamentary elections, which marks a shift in what the island nation is thinking about as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to push for control over the strategically located island.
Heading the relatively newcomer Demokraatit, which surprisingly overthrew the long-ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut parties, is Jens-Frederik Nielsen, 33. This shift reflects a shift from foreign affairs to domestic issues such as healthcare, education, and culture. “This is a historic outcome in Greenland’s political history,” Nielsen stated at a celebration in Nuuk.
While the unexpected result has the road to Greenlandic independence from Denmark as a central point of contention. Both Demokraatit and the second-place Naleraq are in favour of independence, but they have nothing in common when it comes to the pace of separation. Demokraatit prefer/imha gradualist approach, while Naleraq advocates quick action. 
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the new government faced “massive pressure” from Trump’s administration, but also insisted that Greenland’s destiny was human-made, rather than by.
Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede who brought forward the election to unite the country under pressure from outside, thanked the voters and promised fast coalition talks.
As newly elected 31-member parliament of Greenland sets course, outcome could change not just Greenland’s dealings with Denmark but its geopolitical standing as a global powers come for its rare earths and strategic location in the North Atlantic.
