Political Life

In accordance with home rule, Greenland retains extensive powers of self-government while remaining under the Danish Crown. The Folketing (the Danish parliament) has transferred almost all legislation to the Landsting (the Greenlandic parliament) but the Folketing and the Danish administration retain control over some areas of government. Greenland‘s voters elect two representatives to the Folketing.

At least every four years, there is a general election to the Landsting. The Landsting nominates the president of the Landsstyre (the Greenland executive) and approves the nomination of its members, who act as the country‘s government. Each member of the Landsstyre serves as minister of a particular government department.

Greenland is divided into 18 municipalities, each led by a local council and a mayor. Among other things, the municipalities are responsible for childcare, primary schools, cultural and leisure activities and a range of social services.

Political life is very active and dominated by three parties. Siumut is the largest party with a policy seeking extensive independence within the framework of Danish sovereignty. Second largest is the party Inuit Ataqatigiit, which pursues independence for Greenland. Atassut, which advocates close cooperation with Denmark, is the third largest party.

Greenland‘s economy, settlement structure, education service and welfare system have much in common with the Scandinavian welfare state model, but there are also links with the North American continent. The international organisation ICC, Inuit Circumpolar Conference, has been particularly influential in developing Arctic co-operation, which has for instance manifested itself in the establishment of the Arctic Council in 1996.