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| Democrats (Greenlandic political party) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Democrats |
| Native name | Demokraterne |
| Foundation | 2002 |
| Founder | Per Berthelsen |
| Headquarters | Nuuk |
| Ideology | Liberalism |
| Position | Centre-right |
| Country | Greenland |
Democrats (Greenlandic political party) is a liberal political party in Greenland founded in 2002. It was established by figures from Nuuk and other communities as a response to debates around home rule, self-government, and relations with the Kingdom of Denmark. The party has participated in elections to the Inatsisartut and engaged with institutions such as the Danish Folketing, Nordic Council, and municipal councils across towns like Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Qaqortoq.
The party was formed in 2002 by politicians including Per Berthelsen and others disaffected with the policies of Siumut and Atassut. Early electoral contests pitted it against established parties such as Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa-aligned actors and figures from Forward movements that influenced debates after the 2002 election. Throughout the 2000s the party navigated coalitions with Siumut leaders and negotiations involving Hans Enoksen and Kuupik Kleist. During the 2010s it contended with the rise of Inuit Ataqatigiit and shifting energy and mining discussions tied to projects like those near Kvanefjeld and the Isua iron mine. Leadership changes reflected tensions with municipal actors in Qaasuitsup and coordination with representatives to the Danish Parliament including contacts with members of the Venstre and the Social Democrats on issues of Arctic policy.
The Democrats espouse liberal and market-oriented positions similar to Scandinavian parties such as Venstre, Venstre (Norway), and the Folketing-aligned liberal groupings. Their platform emphasizes ties to the Kingdom of Denmark and supports continued cooperation under instruments like the Danish Realm and agreements overseen by the High Commissioner of Greenland. On resource governance the party engages with contested projects involving companies like Greenland Minerals and Energy and discussions around uranium mining regulations influenced by precedents from Australia and Canada. In social policy they take pragmatic stances comparable to centrist elements within Nordic Council delegations and often contrast with the socialist program of Inuit Ataqatigiit and the autonomist positions of Siumut.
The party’s organizational structure includes a central board, local chapters in municipalities such as Qaqortoq, Aasiaat, and Sisimiut, and youth outreach akin to groups affiliated with Liberal Alliance. Prominent leaders have included founders like Per Berthelsen and later chairs who negotiated coalition roles with figures like Aleqa Hammond and Kuupik Kleist in multiparty settings. The Democrats maintain liaison channels with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Arctic affairs and coordinate parliamentary strategy in the Inatsisartut through committee appointments that interact with bodies such as the Greenlandic Ministry of Finance and Foreign Affairs and municipal councils. Internal governance uses party congresses resembling practices in parties like the Conservatives.
Since its inception the party has contested elections to the Inatsisartut and occasional seats in the Folketing; results have varied by election cycle such as the 2009 election, 2013 election, and 2018 election. In municipal contests the Democrats have won representation in councils across Nuuk Municipality, Kujalleq, and formerly in Qaasuitsup Municipality. Their vote share reflects competition with Siumut, Inuit Ataqatigiit, Atassut, Partii Naleraq, and newer entrants like Partii Inuit and has been influenced by public debates over projects near Narssaq and resource policy disputes involving Arctic Minerals-type companies. Coalition negotiations have involved negotiating ministerial posts with leaders from Siumut and Atassut.
Legislative priorities have included statutes affecting taxation frameworks linked to transfers from the Kingdom of Denmark, regulations regarding mineral extraction affecting sites like Kvanefjeld, and statutes on fisheries management impacting communities around Disko Bay and Nuup Kangerlua. The party has sponsored motions concerning the oversight of foreign investments by companies from countries such as China and Australia and supported collaboration with scientific institutions like the University of Greenland and research centers associated with the Arctic Council. On social matters Democrats have backed measures related to labor markets in towns like Sisimiut and reforms in welfare provisions that intersect with Danish legislation debated in the Folketing.
Internationally the party engages with Nordic and European liberal networks similar to those linking Venstre (Denmark), the Nordic Council, and observers in organizations such as the Council of Europe forums on regional governance. It maintains policy contacts with representatives in the Danish Parliament and liaises with Arctic stakeholders including delegations to the Arctic Council and bilateral exchanges with administrations in Iceland, Canada, and Norway. The Democrats have articulated positions on foreign investment screening comparable to legislation in United States congressional debates on Arctic strategy and coordinate with research partnerships involving institutions like the National Science Foundation-linked projects and European research bodies.
Category:Political parties in Greenland Category:Liberal parties Category:Political parties established in 2002