Greenlandic Inatsisartut

Greenlandic Inatsisartut
Name	Inatsisartut
Native name	Inatsisartut
Legislature type	Unicameral
Established	1979
Members	31
Meeting place	Nuuk

Greenlandic Inatsisartut is the unicameral parliament of Greenland, created under the 1979 Home Rule arrangement and reconstituted by the 2009 Self-Government Act. It sits in Nuuk and exercises legislative authority within areas devolved from Kingdom of Denmark under agreements such as the Greenlandic self-government referendum, 2008 and interacts with institutions like the Folketing and the Council of the European Union in matters of overlapping competence. The assembly plays a central role in debates over resource development, indigenous rights, and autonomy alongside figures and institutions such as Aleqa Hammond, Kuupik Kleist, Siumut (political party), and Inuit Ataqatigiit.

History

The institution was established after the 1979 transfer of powers following negotiations involving the Danish Parliament, Prime Minister of Denmark, and Greenlandic representatives in the wake of the Greenlandic home rule referendum, 1979. During the 1980s and 1990s the parliament navigated controversies including the Greenland trade disputes and interactions with the European Economic Community leading to changes in fisheries policy influenced by leaders like Jonathan Motzfeldt. In the early 21st century, the 2009 Greenlandic self-government referendum, 2008 produced the Self-Government Act, reshaping competencies and prompting legal exchanges with institutions such as the High Court of Greenland and the Supreme Court of Denmark. Historic debates within the chamber have involved resource projects like the Isua mine, infrastructure topics linked to Nuuk Airport, and cultural issues raised by organizations like Kalaallit Nunaat cultural institutions.

Composition and Electoral System

The assembly comprises 31 members elected for four-year terms in a system modeled on proportional representation used in Nordic parliaments such as Storting and the Althing. Elections involve party lists and preferential voting similar to methods in Finland and Sweden, with major parties including Siumut (political party), Inuit Ataqatigiit, Democrats (Greenland), Partii Naleraq, and Atassut. The Speaker is selected from among members, following procedures analogous to those in the Danish Parliament and the Norwegian Storting, and coalition negotiations often reference leaders such as Kim Kielsen and Múte Bourup Egede. Electoral administration is overseen by Greenlandic officials in concert with standards found in institutions like the European Court of Human Rights where electoral disputes have occasionally been brought.

Powers and Functions

The parliament legislates in areas devolved by the Self-Government Act, 2009 including local matters previously under the Home Rule Act and exercises authority over natural resources subject to state treaties such as agreements with the Kingdom of Denmark. It sets budgets, supervises the executive led by the Prime Minister of Greenland and ministers, and ratifies international arrangements in consultation with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs when reserved matters intersect. The chamber has oversight mechanisms similar to those in the Scandinavian Council and can summon officials from agencies like the Greenland Health Service and institutions connected to Greenlandic police administration. In constitutional matters the assembly’s role engages legal review processes tied to precedents from the Supreme Court of Denmark and the European Court of Human Rights.

Political Parties and Leadership

Significant political groups represented include Siumut (political party), Inuit Ataqatigiit, Democrats (Greenland), Partii Naleraq, and Atassut, each led by figures such as Aqqalu Jerimiassen and Sara Olsvig at various times. Party dynamics mirror those in other Nordic systems like Icelandic politics and Norwegian politics, with coalition formation involving policy platforms on mining projects like Kvanefjeld and issues of self-determination debated in contexts including the United Nations and meetings with the Prime Minister of Denmark. Leadership roles such as Speaker and committee chairs have been held by notable politicians who also interact with bodies like the Greenland Development Bank and cultural entities such as the Kalaallit Nunaanni institutions.

Legislative Procedure

Bills may be introduced by the executive, parliamentary groups, or committees following practices comparable to procedures in the Folketing and the Storting. Committee work addresses sectors aligned with ministries overseeing health, education, fisheries, and infrastructure, paralleling structures seen in the Danish Health Authority and Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training. Debates occur in plenary sessions, voting employs proportional allocation similar to Sainte-Laguë method adaptations used in Nordic elections, and enactment requires promulgation in line with legal frameworks referenced against the Self-Government Act, 2009 and precedents from the High Court of Greenland.

Building and Location

The assembly meets in Nuuk in a purpose-built complex near landmarks such as the Nuuk Cathedral and the Greenland National Museum, with facilities proximate to the Nuuk port and government ministries housed in the capital alongside the office of the Premier of Greenland. The building’s design reflects Arctic considerations similar to constructions in Tromsø and Reykjavík, and it hosts sessions, committee meetings, and official receptions involving delegations from places like Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and representatives of the European Union.

Contemporary Issues and Reforms

Current debates within the chamber focus on resource development projects such as Kvanefjeld mine and Isua mine, climate-related infrastructure funding linked to the Arctic Council, indigenous rights in forums like the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and financial arrangements with the Kingdom of Denmark. Proposed reforms concern electoral law adjustments reflecting models from Sweden and Finland, transparency measures influenced by standards from the Council of Europe, and institutional modernization drawing on experiences from the Althing and Storting. Discussions also address public services including healthcare delivery tied to the Greenlandic Health Service and education policy interacting with institutions like the University of Greenland.

Category:Politics of Greenland Category:Legislatures