Official statements from the Greenlandic government or Prime Minister's office

Greenland's PM Mute Egede Seeks Independence from Denmark in New Year's Speech, Rejects Trump's Acquisition

Jan 4, 2025, 12:09 AM

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has emphasized his desire to pursue independence from Denmark, its former colonial ruler, during his New Year's speech. This marks a shift in the rhetoric surrounding the Arctic island's future, as Egede stated that the time has come for Greenlanders to take a step and shape their future regarding who they will cooperate with and who their trading partners will be. Egede's comments follow recent remarks by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who expressed his interest in acquiring Greenland for the United States. Despite Trump's overtures, Egede has firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale and will never be for sale, emphasizing the island's long struggle for freedom. Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark since 1979, has had the right to declare independence through a referendum since 2009. The independence movement has gained momentum in recent years, fueled by historical grievances against Danish authorities, including an involuntary birth control campaign in the 1960s.