Media Statement on 12 March 2025 – Results of the 2025 General Election in Greenland
“With the votes from nearly all precincts counted, it looks certain now that Demokraatit (Democrats) have won the 2025 elections in Greenland, with Naleraq coming second. Surprisingly, the two dominant parties over the last four years – IA and Siumut – are now in third and fourth place.
The success of Demokraatit and Naleraq indicates that many in Greenland may be seeking independence but they care just as much about social issues such as healthcare, childcare, education and employment. The key difference between the two is that for Naleraq, political independence is a top goal, while for Demokraatit, it is more of an end goal. While Naleraq wishes the government adopt a more urgent pursuit of independence, Demokraatit tends to prefer a more gradual process. What approach to independence will win the day will ultimately depend on if Demokraatit decides to form a coalition government, and if so, with which party.
Back in 2005, despite increasing the number of its seats, Demokraatit was not part of the coalition formed between Siumut, IA and Atassut. At the next elections, in 2009, despite having only four seats, Demokraatit entered into a coalition government with IA and Kattusseqatigiit, thus removing Siumut from power for the first time in its history. Whether Demokraatit will form a coalition with IA, Siumut, Naleraq or Atassut has yet to be seen, but the ball is certainly in its court. The approach to independence at Demokraatit is more akin to that of IA, but then Demokraatit and Naleraq were both in the opposition over the past four years that saw a IA-Siumut coalition government and are the clear winners of this election, so nothing is certain just as yet.
This brings us to the next question? What does Demokraatit believe? Demokraatit (or Democrats) presents itself as a social liberal party but its language and policies in many ways resemble that of more centre-right leaning political parties in Europe. The focus at Demokraatit is on taking responsibility. When it comes to employment, Demokraatit wants companies in Greenland not to rely on foreign workers in the first instance but to develop the capacity of local workers so they can be brought into fruitful and sustainable employment. When it comes to work, it wishes to make sure those who can work will work and have the opportunity to do so. This is seen as being necessary for Greenland’s economy and society, and as an expression of a responsible citizenry.
When it comes to families, Demokraatit believes that families should be strengthened so they can give their children the care and support they need; the focus is on early support, with out-of-home care seen more as a last resort. When it comes to healthcare, particularly in relation to infectious diseases, their focus is on prevention, with a commitment to empower families to take care of the health of their family members, especially children, not least through better early support. When it comes to adoption, the party would prefer the placement of a child with a foster family closer to its hometown rather than far away, and seeks to recruit a greater number of foster families.”