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Greenland
At stake: Diet
Background
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - For centuries, Greenland was considered a province of Denmark. Following a 1979 referendum, the area became a self-governing administrative division of the European nation, with its own legislative branch. Denmark remains in charge of Greenland's defence and foreign affairs policies.
In the December 2002 legislative election, the social-democratic Siumut (Forward) party became the top political force in Greenland with 10 lawmakers, and established a coalition administration with the left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit (Eskimo Community) party. Siumut leader Hans Enoksen took over as prime minister, substituting fellow party member Jonathan Motzfeldt.
The coalition collapsed after only two months following a public disagreement over the visit of a faith healer to "cleanse" the government's offices. Enoksen formed a new administration with the conservative Atassut (Solidarity) party.
In September 2003, differences over the budget led to the end of the Siumut-Atassut pact. Enoksen again relied on the Inuit Ataqatigiit party to remain in government.
In August 2004, Denmark and the United States agreed to modernize the air base located at Thule, with the intention of using it as part of a new missile defence system. Approximately 57,000 people inhabit Greenland today.
2005 Diet Election
On Sept. 15, prime minister Hans Enoksen called an early ballot for Nov. 22. Enoksen decided to dissolve the 31-seat legislative branch following a misappropriation scandal.
In August, housing, infrastructure and environment minister Jens Napaattooq and fisheries and hunting minister Rasmus Frederiksen tendered their resignations. Napaattooq and Frederiksen are said to have used government funds for personal expenses, including private family dinners and alcoholic beverages.
The reports about Napaattooq and Frederiksen caused a rift in the governing coalition, encompassing Enoksen's social-democratic Siumut (Forward) party, and the socialist Inuit Ataqatigiit (Eskimo Community) party.
The scandal has also affected the Siumut, as some party members have pledged to rally behind the current prime minister, while others have suggested the return of former head of government Jonathan Motzfeldt.
Voting took place on Nov. 15. The governing Siumut retained its position as the top political organization with 10 seats, followed by the Democrats and the Eskimo Community with seven seats each, and Solidarity with six. Turnout was tabled at 74.9 per cent.
Solidarity member Ellen Christofferson suggested a deal with Forward for an eventual coalition government, declaring, "We want a system change, but we need to accept that Siumut had a really good election."
On Nov. 25, a new coalition government was formed with Siumut, Eskimo Community and Solidarity. Enoksen retained his post as prime minister.
Political Players
Queen: Margrethe II
Danish commissioner: Peter Lauritzen
Prime minister: Hans Enoksen - Siumut (Forward)
Legislative Branch: The Inatsisartut (Diet) has 31 members, elected to four-year terms by proportional representation. Greenland's voters also elect two members to Denmark's People's Diet.
Results of Last Election:
Diet - Nov. 15, 2005
Vote% | Seats | |
Siumut (Forward) | 30.7% | 10 |
Demokratiit (Democrats) | 22.8% | 7 |
Inuit Ataqatigiit (Eskimo Community) | 22.6% | 7 |
Atassut (Solidarity) | 19.1% | 6 |
Katusseqatigiit (Independents) | 4.1% | 1 |
