NUUK, Greenland, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Greenland's ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party has announced it will not expedite an independence vote following a scheduled general election on March 11, expressing concerns regarding potential economic and welfare impacts.
The Inuit Ataqatigiit (AI) party officially launched its election campaign on Thursday.
Recently, renewed interest in Greenland from the United States has energized the country's independence movement, prompting calls for prompt discussions about seceding from Denmark, its former colonial power.
"I will not be pressured to make hasty decisions in the heat of the moment," stated Naaja Nathanielsen, the former resources minister in a Reuters interview.
Reports indicate that while most Greenlanders are against aligning with the U.S., a majority do support eventual independence, yet opinions diverge regarding the timeframe due to potential effects on living standards.
In a notable shift in policy, Siumut, the government coalition partner of IA, revealed its intention this month to invoke an article in a 2009 law that grants Greenland extended autonomy, including the authority to proceed with negotiations for full independence.
Naleraq, Greenland's third-largest party and a prominent proponent of independence, also aims to bring a proposal to a vote before the upcoming election in four years.
"We are not engaging in mere rhetoric. We aim to secure independence, establish beneficial alliances, and uphold welfare standards," remarked Nathanielsen.
Greenland's economy heavily relies on fishing, which represents over 95% of exports, and on Denmark's annual subsidies that finance approximately half of the public budget.
Nathanielsen suggested that prioritizing the development of tourism and mining industries is crucial for Greenland to achieve a self-sustaining economy, aiming to operate between three and five mines, as opposed to the current single mine.
Since the establishment of its first parliament in the 1970s, Greenland has steadily been advancing towards independence.
In 2009, Greenland acquired additional autonomy, including the right to pursue full independence through a referendum. A preliminary constitution was introduced in 2023, and a commission was assembled last year to assess the necessary steps toward Greenland's independence.
"At some point, there will be a referendum. I cannot predict if it will occur in the next election cycle or the subsequent one, and its exact nature, but progress is inevitable," expressed Nathanielsen.
The left-wing IA party currently holds 11 out of 31 seats in the parliament.