Democrats (Greenland)

Democrats (Greenland). Demokraatit is a liberal and centre-right political party in Greenland, advocating for gradual independence from Denmark within a framework of economic stability and strong international partnerships. Founded in 2002 by former members of other major parties, it has established itself as a significant force in the Inatsisartut, often acting as a pivotal coalition partner. The party emphasizes private sector development, education, and pragmatic governance while supporting Greenlandic independence through strengthened ties with entities like the European Union and NATO.

History

The party was established on 28 November 2002 by Per Berthelsen, a former minister from Siumut, alongside other dissidents from Atassut who sought a new liberal alternative. Its formation occurred during a period of shifting political alliances in Nuuk, following debates over Greenlandic independence and economic policy. Demokraatit first entered the Inatsisartut after the 2005 Greenlandic parliamentary election, securing several seats and quickly becoming a potential coalition partner for both Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit. A significant early figure was Jens B. Frederiksen, who served as Minister of Finance and helped shape its pragmatic approach to self-governance. The party provided key support to the Aleqa Hammond government in 2013 and later joined the coalition under Kim Kielsen in 2016, holding portfolios such as Minister of Education. In 2021, under leader Jens Frederiksen, it entered a governing coalition with Inuit Ataqatigiit and Naleraq, marking a continued role in executive power.

Ideology and platform

Ideologically, Demokraatit is rooted in classical liberalism and economic liberalism, promoting a strong private sector, reduced public spending, and tax reform to stimulate growth in industries like fishing, tourism, and mining. Its platform supports eventual Greenlandic independence, but stresses a cautious, economically secure path that maintains a close relationship with Denmark and develops partnerships with the European Union, United States, and NATO. Key policy areas include investing in education and vocational training, improving infrastructure in towns like Ilulissat and Sisimiut, and advancing digitalization across the island. The party also emphasizes transparent governance and has been a vocal proponent of reforming the Danish block grant system to increase fiscal autonomy.

Electoral performance

Demokraatit contested its first general election in 2005, winning about 22% of the vote and securing several seats in the Inatsisartut. Its support peaked in the 2009 election, where it garnered over 26% and became the second-largest party, demonstrating significant appeal in constituencies including Nuuk and South Greenland. Performance fluctuated in subsequent elections, such as the 2013 and 2018 polls, where it typically captured between 10-15% of the vote. In the 2021 election, the party won about 12% of votes, resulting in a modest representation that allowed it to join the governing coalition led by Inuit Ataqatigiit. In Folketing elections, it has periodically secured Greenland's second seat, as seen with Jens Frederiksen's election to the Danish Parliament in 2022.

Leadership

The party's founding leader was Per Berthelsen, a former Minister of Health under Siumut. He was succeeded by Jens B. Frederiksen, a pivotal figure who served as Minister of Finance and later as Minister of Education, shaping the party's economic policies. Andreas Uldum briefly led the party in the late 2010s. Since 2020, leadership has been held by Jens Frederiksen, who also serves as a member of the Folketing and has held the position of Minister of Finance in the Múte Bourup Egede government. Other prominent figures include Nikki Zinck, who has served as a party spokesperson and member of the Inatsisartut, and Vittus Qujaukitsoq, though he later left to form Naleraq.

Organization and structure

The party is organized with a central board based in Nuuk and local chapters in major towns like Ilulissat, Qaqortoq, and Aasiaat. Its highest authority is the annual party congress, which sets policy and elects the leadership, including the chairman and central committee. Demokraatit maintains a youth wing, Demokraatit Inuusuttaat, which engages young voters and promotes liberal ideals. The party operates within the multi-party system of the Inatsisartut, where its parliamentary group coordinates closely with the executive board. It is a member of the Liberal International, reflecting its ideological alignment with global liberalism, and maintains working relationships with Danish parties such as Venstre and the Social Liberal Party.

Category:Political parties in Greenland Category:Liberal parties in Denmark Category:Political parties established in 2002