Inatsisartut

Inatsisartut. The Inatsisartut is the unicameral parliament of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Established under the Greenland Home Rule Act of 1979, it holds legislative power over most domestic affairs in Greenland. The parliament convenes in the capital city of Nuuk and is a central institution in the territory's evolving political landscape.

History

The establishment of the Inatsisartut followed a long political development towards home rule. Key milestones included the 1953 Danish constitutional reform which integrated Greenland as a county of Denmark and the subsequent work of the Greenland Provincial Council. The decisive 1979 Greenlandic home rule referendum led to the passage of the Greenland Home Rule Act by the Folketing, creating the first Inatsisartut. Its powers were significantly expanded by the Greenland Self-Government Act of 2009, which transferred additional authorities from the Government of Denmark and recognized the Greenlandic language as the official language. Historical sessions have addressed critical issues like the United States Air Force presence at Thule Air Base and the management of natural resources.

Composition and elections

The Inatsisartut comprises 31 members, known as MPs, who are elected for four-year terms based on proportional representation within a single, nationwide constituency. Elections are governed by the Greenland Parliament Act and administered by the Greenlandic Electoral Authority. Notable recent elections include the 2018 Greenlandic general election and the 2021 Greenlandic general election. The Speaker of the Inatsisartut, currently Mimi Karlsen, presides over the assembly. Members meet in the parliament building in Nuuk, and their work is supported by various parliamentary committees.

Powers and functions

The legislative powers of the Inatsisartut are extensive, covering areas such as education, healthcare, fisheries, and the mining industry, as outlined in the Greenland Self-Government Act. It holds the authority to approve the Landsstyre and can pass a motion of no confidence. The parliament also controls the Greenlandic budget and has the power to negotiate international agreements on behalf of Greenland in devolved areas. Furthermore, it can initiate the process towards full independence from Denmark via a referendum.

Political parties and coalitions

The political landscape within the Inatsisartut is characterized by a multi-party system. Major parties include the social democratic Siumut, the left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit, the liberal Democrats, the centrist Naleraq, the conservative Atassut, and smaller parties like the Cooperation Party and Nunatta Qitornai. Governments are typically formed by coalitions; for instance, the current administration led by Premier Múte Bourup Egede is a coalition of Inuit Ataqatigiit, Naleraq, and Atassut. Previous coalitions have involved figures like Kim Kielsen and Aleqa Hammond.

Relationship with the Government of Greenland

The Inatsisartut appoints and oversees the Government of Greenland, known as the Landsstyre, headed by the Premier of Greenland. This relationship is defined by the principle of parliamentary governance. The High Commissioner of Greenland, representing the Government of Denmark, formally appoints the premier following a nomination by the Inatsisartut. The parliament exercises scrutiny through question times, committee hearings, and the approval of legislation proposed by the Landsstyre. Key areas of joint action include foreign affairs handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and economic development through entities like Air Greenland and Royal Greenland.