Frederiksen emphasizes Greenland's self-determination, addressing Trump’s proposal to acquire the territory while underscoring Denmark's economic ties with the US.
**Greenland's Future in Focus: Danish PM Declares Self-Determination in Call with Trump**
**Greenland's Future in Focus: Danish PM Declares Self-Determination in Call with Trump**
Danish Prime Minister asserts Greenland's autonomy amid Trump's acquisition interests in 45-minute phone call.
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently engaged in a critical phone discussion with President-elect Donald Trump, stressing that the autonomy of Greenland ultimately lies with its citizens. This statement comes after Trump's controversial suggestion to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, which stirred unrest in both Copenhagen and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
During their 45-minute conversation, Frederiksen communicated Denmark's commitment to enhancing security responsibilities in the Arctic. She reaffirmed the position of Greenland's Premier, Mute Egede, who has publicly asserted that Greenland is “not for sale.” While Trump has not made any public comments following the call, he shared a poll indicating a significant portion of Greenlanders, approximately 68%, favors independence from Denmark. This raises speculation regarding a potential referendum on the matter, which Denmark has pledged to respect.
The prior tension stemmed from Trump's earlier declarations concerning the purchase of Greenland, which Frederiksen deemed “absurd,” leading to his abrupt cancellation of a trip to Denmark. The Danish government has articulated the ramifications of Trump's potential tariffs, which could significantly impact Denmark's economy, as the US is its second-largest export market. Frederiksen also highlighted the contributions of Danish companies to the US economy during her call.
In light of these developments, Frederiksen is set to convene a high-profile meeting with Danish business leaders, including executives from major companies such as Carlsberg and Novo Nordisk. Greenlandic parliament member Aaja Chemnitz supported Frederiksen's firm stance on Greenland’s self-determination, indicating robust confidence in the government's approach. However, opposition voices, like MP Rasmus Jarlov, criticized the PM for potentially yielding Denmark's claims over Greenland.
Amid uncertainty and concerns over Trump's interest in Greenland, political analysts suggest the attention given to this issue in the phone call indicates its prominence on Trump's agenda. As both nations navigate these delicate discussions, the focus on Greenland's future remains critical as it considers its self-governing possibilities.
