Greenland PM Proposes March 11 For General Election

Greenland’s prime minister proposed that a general election be held on March 11, amid renewed interest from US President Donald Trump in the Arctic territory.

The upcoming election campaign is expected to revolve around the vast island’s independence aspirations.

“We are in the midst of a serious time. A time that we have never experienced in our country. This is not the time for internal division,” Prime Minister, Mute Egede said in a social media post that did not mention

Trump in December renewed his wish to control the strategically important island and did not rule out using military or economic power to achieve this.

Egede said he would now ask parliament to approve his proposal to hold an election.

Greenland was due to hold parliamentary elections before April 6.

Denmark has ruled the island for centuries. Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 and has since gained broad autonomy, including the right to declare independence, although Copenhagen remains responsible for Greenland’s security and foreign policy.

The semi-autonomous territory of Denmark has said it is open for business but does not wish to be part of the United States.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere