Inatsisartut

Inatsisartut
Name	Inatsisartut
Native name	Inatsisartut
Legislature	Greenlandic Parliament
Foundation	1979
House type	Unicameral
Members	31
Leader1 type	Speaker
Meeting place	Inatsisartut, Nuuk

Inatsisartut is the unicameral parliament of Greenland, established during the devolution of powers from Denmark and central to the autonomous polity of Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat). It sits in the capital Nuuk and exercises legislative authority over matters devolved under the Home Rule Act 1979 and the later Self-Government Act 2009. Members negotiate with institutions such as the Folketing and international partners like the European Union on issues touching on external affairs, resource management, and indigenous rights represented by bodies like the Kalaallit People’s Assembly.

History

The origins trace to the aftermath of the Greenlandic home rule movement and the 1979 establishment under the Home Rule Act 1979, itself a product of debates involving figures associated with Danish Social Democracy and responses to the Greenlandic referendum, 1979. Subsequent developments were shaped by the Self-Government Act 2009, decisions by the Folketing and negotiators including leaders from Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit, and resource-driven controversies such as those around the Ilulisat Declaration and disputes over mining in Greenland. Key parliamentary milestones intersected with events like the Greenlandic general election, 2009 and the ongoing political evolution influenced by activists connected to the Greenlandic independence movement and international contacts with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Structure and Composition

The legislature comprises 31 members who represent multi-member constituencies including regions such as Qaasuitsup, Sermersooq, Kujalleq, and Qeqqata. Leadership posts include the Speaker (Ægir appointed from among members) and committee chairs overseeing areas tied to agencies like the Greenlandic Ministry of Finance and Nature and commissions interacting with the Arctic Council. Parliamentary groups form along party lines including factions from Siumut, Inuit Ataqatigiit, Democrats (Greenland), Partii Naleraq, and Atassut. Support staff collaborate with institutions such as the Greenland Representation in Copenhagen and liaison offices that coordinate with the High Commission of Denmark in Greenland.

Powers and Functions

Under the Self-Government Act 2009 and antecedent statutes, the chamber legislates on devolved competencies such as administration of land and waters linked to the Mineral Resources Act, social services influenced by policy frameworks similar to the Nordic welfare model, and cultural matters involving the Greenlandic language (Kalaallisut). It approves budgets and taxation measures within frameworks negotiated with the Danish Ministry of Finance, ratifies agreements involving resource development with corporations like Greenland Minerals and Energy and Bluejay Mining, and supervises ministers from cabinets headed by premiers drawn from parties such as Siumut or Inuit Ataqatigiit. The parliament also conducts oversight through inquiries comparable to those held by bodies like the Danish Parliamentary Ombudsman.

Elections and Electoral System

Elections to the chamber are held under proportional representation using party lists, with mechanisms resembling the D'Hondt method employed in many Nordic systems. Voting cycles have coincided with notable contests such as the Greenlandic general election, 2014, Greenlandic general election, 2018, and Greenlandic general election, 2021. Eligible voters are residents registered under the Greenlandic civil registry and campaigns often mobilize constituencies via media channels such as Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa and newspapers like Sermitsiaq. International observers from organizations such as the OSCE and delegations from parliaments like the Storting and the Althing have monitored aspects of electoral administration in various cycles.

Political Parties and Representation

Major parties represented in the chamber include Siumut, Inuit Ataqatigiit, Democrats (Greenland), Atassut, and Partii Naleraq, with smaller movements and independents occasionally holding seats. Party platforms intersect with issues championed by groups like the Greenlandic independence movement, environmental NGOs such as Greenland Conservation Society, and labor organizations like the Sulinermik Inuuneqarnermut Injitoqarfik (Greenlandic Workers' Union). Prominent politicians who have served in the legislature are affiliated with political families and networks connected to Nordic counterparts in the Social Democrats (Denmark), Venstre (Denmark), and leftist parties in the Nordic Council.

Legislative Process

Bills originate from ministers of the cabinet formed after coalition negotiations involving parties like Siumut or Inuit Ataqatigiit, or from committees and individual members drawing on expertise from institutions such as the University of Greenland and policy think tanks like the Greenlandic Institute of Natural Resources. Proposed measures undergo committee review, plenary debate, and voting; budgets are subject to amendment and must align with agreements with the Danish State Treasury where relevant. International treaties affecting devolved fields are reviewed in coordination with the Folketing and implemented via statutes comparable to frameworks used by the Icelandic Althing and Faroe Islands Løgting.

Buildings and Location

The parliament convenes in the Inatsisartut complex located in the capital district of Nuuk, near landmarks such as the Nuuk Cathedral and the University of Greenland (Ilisimatusarfik). The building hosts plenary chambers, committee rooms, and offices for members and is proximate to administrative centers like the Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut) headquarters and the High Commission of Denmark in Greenland offices. Architectural features reflect Greenlandic motifs and public spaces are often used for cultural events tied to institutions such as the Greenland National Museum and celebrations linked to the National Day of Greenland.

Category:Politics of Greenland Category:Legislatures