Siumut

Siumut
source
Name	Siumut
Colorcode	#FF0000
Foundation	29 July 1977
Founder	Jonathan Motzfeldt, Lars Emil Johansen, Moses Olsen
Headquarters	Nuuk, Greenland
Ideology	Social democracy, Greenlandic independence
International	Socialist International (consultative)
Colours	Red, white
Seats1 title	Inatsisartut
Seats1	10, 31
Country	Greenland

Siumut. Siumut is a major social democratic and Greenlandic independence political party in Greenland. Founded in 1977, it has been the dominant force in Greenlandic politics for most of the period since the establishment of home rule in 1979. The party advocates for greater autonomy from Denmark and eventual full independence, while traditionally supporting a mixed economy with a strong public sector.

History

Siumut was established on 29 July 1977 by prominent figures including Jonathan Motzfeldt, Lars Emil Johansen, and Moses Olsen, emerging from the movement for greater Greenlandic self-governance. It led the first Home Rule Government after the 1979 Home Rule Act came into force, with Motzfeldt becoming the first Premier of Greenland. The party dominated the Inatsisartut through the 1980s and 1990s, overseeing significant developments like the 1985 withdrawal from the European Economic Community. A major shift occurred in 2009 with the implementation of the Greenland Self-Government Act, which Siumut strongly supported. The party experienced a historic electoral defeat in 2021, losing its position as the largest party to Inuit Ataqatigiit for the first time.

Ideology and political positions

Siumut's core ideology is rooted in social democracy and the pursuit of Greenlandic independence. It supports a Nordic model of a comprehensive welfare state funded by the public sector. Economically, it has traditionally backed the development of Greenland's economy through industries like fishing and mining, including controversial projects such as the Kvanefjeld rare earth and uranium mine. On foreign policy, the party seeks stronger international ties, particularly with the United States and other Arctic Council members, while managing the relationship with Denmark. Its stance on independence is gradualist, focusing on building economic self-sufficiency.

Electoral performance

Siumut has been the most successful party in the history of elections in Greenland, consistently winning pluralities in elections for the Inatsisartut from 1979 until 2021. It achieved its best result in the 1983 election. The party's vote share gradually declined from the 1990s onward, facing increased competition from Inuit Ataqatigiit and Democrats. The 2013 election saw a narrow victory over Inuit Ataqatigiit, but the 2021 election resulted in a seismic loss, relegating Siumut to second place. It has also held Greenland's seats in the Folketing, the Danish Parliament, for most periods, with representatives like Aleqa Hammond.

Leadership and organization

The party is led by a chairman and a board, with its headquarters located in the capital, Nuuk. Its founding leader, Jonathan Motzfeldt, served multiple terms as Premier of Greenland and is a defining figure in its history. Other notable leaders include Lars Emil Johansen, Hans Enoksen, and Aleqa Hammond, who became the first female premier. The current chairman is Erik Jensen. Siumut maintains a fraternal relationship with the Social Democrats in Denmark and has consultative status with the Socialist International. Its youth wing is Siumut Youth.

Government participation

Siumut has led or participated in nearly every Government of Greenland since 1979. It formed the first home rule government under Jonathan Motzfeldt and has frequently governed in coalition with smaller parties like Atassut and the Democrats. In 2021, after its election defeat, it entered a historic coalition government led by its rival Inuit Ataqatigiit, with Siumut's Erik Jensen serving as Minister for Finance. This marked the first time Siumut was not the senior partner in a government. The party has also been pivotal in negotiating key agreements with Denmark, such as the 1992 Igaluit Agreement and the 2009 self-government act.

Category:Political parties in Greenland Category:Social democratic parties in North America Category:1977 establishments in Greenland