Political system

Greenland, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has a unique status under the Self-Government Act, which came into effect on June 21, 2009. This Act replaced the Greenland Home Rule established in 1979 and serves as the constitutional foundation for Greenland's position within the Unity of the Realm, alongside the Danish Constitution. Greenland also sends two representatives to the Danish Parliament (Folketing).

The Self-Government Act was enacted following a referendum in Greenland in November 2008, where 75.5% voted in favor. It aims to transfer authority and responsibility from Danish authorities to Greenland in areas where it is constitutionally feasible, emphasizing a balance between rights and obligations.

The political structure in Greenland consists of the Inatsisartut (Greenland Parliament) and the Naalakkersuisut (Greenland Government), both of which are democratically elected. The Act does not specify the composition of these bodies, leaving it to Greenland's authorities. Greenlandic is the principal language, with Danish used in official contexts.

Greenland has assumed control over various legislative and administrative functions, particularly in public finances. The economic arrangement under the Act includes a fixed subsidy from the Danish government to Greenland, which adjusts if Greenland generates income from mineral resources.

While foreign policy remains the domain of the Danish government, the Self-Government Act involves Greenland in international law matters significantly affecting the region. Moreover, the Act includes a provision for Greenland's path to independence, necessitating negotiations and agreements between Greenlandic and Danish governments, approval from the Greenlandic parliament, and a referendum. Independence would mean full sovereignty over Greenland's territories for Greenland.

 

For more information on politics in Greenland, please refer to the following link:

https://english.stm.dk/the-prime-ministers-office/the-unity-of-the-realm/greenland/