Donald Trump’s desire to incorporate Greenland into the United States is well-known, but the island’s leaders are firmly opposed.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has had enough of the discussions and recently issued a brief but pointed response to President Trump.
This weekend witnessed the largest protest in Greenland’s history.
Major demonstrations erupted across the island in reaction to Trump’s remarks about the U.S. possibly taking control of Greenland.
In the capital city of Nuuk, thousands gathered for what is being hailed as the biggest protest ever seen in Greenland.
Given that Nuuk has a population of only 19,000 and Greenland’s total population is around 57,000, the turnout of several thousand demonstrators represents a significant portion of the community.
“I’m truly amazed by the incredible turnout for the protest. I’ve never witnessed such a large gathering before,” said Orla Joelsen, the event organizer, in an interview with the local newspaper Sermitsiaq.
The message was clear: “Enough is enough!” Citizens rallied together, chanting, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.”
The protests also reached Sisimiut, the second-largest city, where demonstrators waved banners with messages like “Yankee go home” and “We’re not for sale.”
”He hasn’t shown good behavior”
Criticism directed at Trump during the march was intense.
“He hasn’t acted appropriately. He only engages with the media. After his visit, Donald Trump Jr. claimed that Greenlanders love the U.S. We want to make it clear that not all of us feel that way. I hope we can express our identity and unity as a people, regardless of political views,” one protester expressed.
Múte B. Egede, the acting Prime Minister of Greenland, who spearheaded the initiative to unite party leaders, released a joint statement to Donald Trump on behalf of Greenland. In response to Trump’s earlier remarks, Egede stated:
“Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not abandon our long-standing fight for freedom.”
Prime Minister Múte B. Egede also took part in the demonstrations over the weekend.
“It empowers us, and it’s inspiring to witness so many people standing together in our country. It is entirely unacceptable for the leader of another nation to attempt to exert pressure on our land. Our unity is our strength,” Múte B. Egede remarked.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the head of the liberal party Demokraatit, which surprisingly emerged as the largest party in last week’s parliamentary elections, joined the demonstration alongside Múte B. Egede.
“It’s incredibly moving, and I feel a sense of pride. As Múte mentioned, witnessing this moment gives us immense strength. While we may have differing views on various topics, we are united on this issue and standing together,” stated Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
This situation has certainly ignited considerable discussion, and it’s evident that the people of Greenland are not going to back down anytime soon.
It will be fascinating to observe how this unfolds, especially with so many voices advocating for their sovereignty. What are your thoughts—could things become even more intense?
