Greenland's ruling IA party cautious about swift independence vote

By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen

NUUK, Greenland (Reuters) - Greenland's ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party said it will not rush an independence vote through after a March 11 general election, cautioning about possible economic and welfare implications.

The Inuit Ataqatigiit (AI) party formally launched its election campaign on Thursday.

Renewed interest in Greenland from the United States has invigorated the country's independence movement, sparking calls for swift secession discussions with Denmark, its former colonial ruler.

"I will not be triggered by the heat of the moment to make decisions in a rush," Naaja Nathanielsen, resources minister in the previous government, said in a recent Reuters interview.

Polls suggest that while most Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S., a majority favour eventual independence, but differ on the timeline due to potential living standards impacts.

In a significant policy shift, Siumut, the government coalition partner of IA, announced plans this month to invoke an article in a 2009 law granting Greenland enhanced autonomy, including the right to negotiate full independence.

Naleraq, Greenland's third-biggest party and a leading advocate for independence, also aims to put a deal to a vote before the next election in four years.

"For us, it's not a matter of who can speak more brazen about it. It's about ensuring independence and the right alliances, and maintaining welfare levels," Nathanielsen said.

Greenland's economy is reliant on fishing, which accounts for over 95% of exports, and annual subsidies from Denmark that fund about half of the public budget.

Nathanielsen suggested that to establish a self-sustaining economy, Greenland should prioritize the development of its tourism and mining industries, aiming to operate between three and five mines, compared to the current single mine.

Since the formation of its first parliament in the 1970s, Greenland has been steadily progressing toward independence.

In 2009, it gained further autonomy, including the right to declare full independence through a referendum. A draft constitution was introduced in 2023, and a commission was set up last year to evaluate the steps necessary for Greenland's independence.

"At some point, there will be a referendum. I cannot tell you if it's the next election cycle, or the next again, and what it will precisely entail, but I know things will progress," said Nathanielsen.

The left-wing IA party currently holds 11 seats in the 31-seat parliament.

(Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen; Editing by Bill Berkrot)