Greenland election: Centre-right party wins most votes in parliamentary polls as Trump seeks control

Greenland's Demokraatit Party wins parliamentary elections, signalling potential shift towards independence amid U.S. interest in the island.

The centre-right Demokraatit Party won the most votes in Greenland’s parliamentary elections, a surprise result as the territory went to the polls in the shadow of U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated goal of taking control of the island one way or another.

Both Demokraatit — the Democrats — and the second place party, Naleraq — “Point of Orientation” — favour independence from Denmark but differ on the pace of change.

Demokraatit’s upset victory over parties that have governed the territory for years indicates that many in Greenland care just as much about health care, education, cultural heritage and other social policies.

“I think this is a historic result in Greenland’s political history,” Demokraatit party leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at the election party after the results.

Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq wrote that Mr. Nielsen, 33, appeared to be surprised by his party’s gains, with photos showing him sporting a huge grin and applauding at the election party.

The Danish Broadcasting Corporation DR reported that Mr. Nielsen said his party would reach out to all other parties to negotiate the future political course for Greenland.

“We had not expected that the election would have this outcome,” Mr. Nielsen told Greenlandic Broadcasting Corporation KNR TV. “We are very happy.”