Greenland Crisis Deepens as Denmark Faces Election Amidst US Annexation Threats

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — As Denmark prepares to hold a general election next week, the shadow of a potential American annexation of Greenland looms large, adding a complex geopolitical dimension to the domestic political landscape. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the election last month, seemingly hoping to capitalize on her firm stance during the recent crisis with the United States over the future of the kingdom’s semiautonomous territory.

Frederiksen Seeks Third Term Amidst Domestic and International Challenges

Mette Frederiksen, who has led Denmark since mid-2019, is seeking a third term as prime minister. She has garnered support for her strong backing of Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and her restrictive immigration policies. However, her popularity waned during her second term due to rising living costs, but experienced a resurgence as her government navigated the escalating tensions surrounding former President Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland.

According to University of Copenhagen election researcher Kasper Møller Hansen, Frederiksen is likely to remain in power, though her Social Democratic party may achieve its lowest vote share since 2022 [1]. Hansen notes that the Greenland issue, alongside Ukraine, has boosted her poll numbers, even as she faces challenges on domestic policy.

Denmark’s Coalition Politics and Key Challengers

Denmark’s proportional representation system typically results in coalition governments. Frederiksen currently leads a government that spans the political divide, a rare occurrence in recent decades. She faces challenges from two center-right contenders: Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen of the Liberal (Venstre) party and Alex Vanopslagh of the Liberal Alliance.

Vanopslagh, advocating for lower taxes and reduced bureaucracy, has faced scrutiny following the revelation of past cocaine use, potentially impacting his electoral prospects. The anti-immigration Danish People’s Party is also expected to make gains, while Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen’s centrist Moderate party could play a kingmaker role if neither bloc secures a majority.

Immigration and Domestic Issues Take Center Stage

Immigration remains a prominent issue in the Danish election. Frederiksen has proposed stricter asylum controls and plans to facilitate the deportation of foreign nationals with criminal convictions. She also supports the establishment of “return hubs” outside the EU for rejected asylum seekers. Despite these measures, Denmark received a relatively low number of asylum applications in 2023, with 1,961 applications compared to over 21,000 in 2015.

Beyond immigration, the campaign has focused on the cost of living, pensions, and a potential wealth tax. A debate over animal welfare and pork production has also emerged, with the Alternative party calling for significant reductions in pig farming to align with Denmark’s population needs.

Greenland’s Role in the Election and Beyond

While Greenland has not been a central issue in the campaign, there is broad consensus on its relationship with Denmark. Frederiksen warned in January 2026 that a U.S. Takeover of Greenland could jeopardize NATO [1]. However, tensions have eased following Trump’s reversal of his tariff threats and the initiation of technical talks between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland regarding Arctic security cooperation.

In Greenland itself, the election will serve as a test for Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who has been in office for approximately a year. His coalition government has faced internal divisions, leading to the resignation of Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and her subsequent departure from the Siumut party.

Parliamentary Structure and Voter Turnout

Voters will be electing members to the Folketing, Denmark’s single-chamber parliament, which comprises 179 seats: 175 for Denmark itself and two each for Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Over 4.3 million people are eligible to vote, and Denmark typically experiences high voter turnout, with 84.2% participation in the 2022 election.

Associated Press writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.