NewsGreenlanders rally against Trump's takeover threats

Greenlanders rally against Trump's takeover threats

Approximately a thousand Greenlanders gathered in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, the island's capital. The purpose of the protest was to express opposition to Donald Trump's threats concerning the United States taking over the island. According to authorities, it was one of the largest demonstrations in the history of an island with a population of 56,000.

Residents of Greenland protest against Trump's plans
Residents of Greenland protest against Trump's plans
Images source: © PAP | PAP/EPA/CHRISTIAN KLINDT SOELBECK

What you need to know

  • Demonstration in Nuuk: In Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, about a thousand people protested in front of the U.S. consulate against Donald Trump's statements about the U.S. taking over the island.
  • Political support: The outgoing Prime Minister, Mute B. Egede, and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the winner of the last parliamentary elections, participated in the demonstration.
  • Political reaction: The leaders of five parties in the Greenland parliament issued a statement condemning Trump's comments as unacceptable.

Greenlanders have had enough of Trump

About a thousand Greenlanders gathered on Saturday in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk to express opposition to Donald Trump's statements about the possibility of the United States taking over the island. The demonstrators sang the Greenlandic anthem and left flags and banners in the snow in front of the consulate building.

Key politicians from Greenland also participated in the demonstration. The outgoing Prime Minister, Mute B. Egede, and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, winner of the last parliamentary elections, gave short speeches emphasizing the importance of the island’s sovereignty.

Strong reaction to announcements from the U.S

Donald Trump's statements were met with strong reactions from Greenlandic politicians. The leaders of five parties in the Greenland parliament issued a joint statement expressing their outrage. "We as party leaders find this behaviour unacceptable towards friends and allies in a defense alliance," they emphasized in the statement.

Greenland, an autonomous territory dependent on Denmark, is striving for independence but only after achieving economic independence. The island's authorities are currently dependent on grants from Copenhagen, which further complicates the political situation.

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