Independence Dilemma For Greenland Voters
Fakhir Rizvi Published April 24, 2018 | 11:06 PM
Greenland's tiny electorate went to the polls Tuesday with independence the key issue for the vast self-ruled Danish territory now threatened by global warming and struggling with youth suicides and sex abuse among its indigenous people.
Copenhagen, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2018 ) :Greenland's tiny electorate went to the polls Tuesday with independence the key issue for the vast self-ruled Danish territory now threatened by global warming and struggling with youth suicides and sex abuse among its indigenous people.
Rich in natural resources, Greenland gained autonomy from Denmark in 1979 and was granted self-rule in 2009, although Copenhagen retains control of foreign and defence affairs. The giant ice-covered island between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans is home to just 55,000 people.
Denmark provides some 3.6 billion kroner (483 million Euros, $591 million) in subsidies each year, equivalent to 60 percent of the budget and which would be cut if Greenland opted for full independence.
So the main issue is when and how to break the Danish link without impoverishing the island. A gross domestic product of $2.2 billion, according to figures for 2015, puts Greenland in the same economic league as San Marino.
Of the seven political parties, six favour independence. Some are keen to declare independence by 2021 to coincide with the 300th anniversary of Denmark's occupation though most have not set a timeline.
Opinion polls suggest the left-green Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party will win Tuesday's election, where 31 seats in the local parliament are up for grabs. A poll published Friday gave IA with 31 percent of votes, ahead of its main rival, the social democratic Siumut party which has dominated Greenland politics since 1979 and is currently in power.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
CSS 2023 results; check complete details here
European companies show interest in investing in Pakistan’s IT sector
Nominations for three governors'posts; check details here
PML-N to hold meeting today on wheat procurement
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 4 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 04 May 2024
Pakistan marks World Press Freedom Day
High-level Saudi business delegation due on May 5
Stocks heat up as US labour market cools
President approves Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024
Implementation of merit, justice to oppressed segments top priorities: CPO
Overseas Kashmir community delegation calls on AJK President, discusses latest s ..
More Stories From World
-
Reps from 12 countries, organizations express willingness to deepen space cooperation before Chang'e ..
11 minutes ago -
UK's ruling Conservatives brace for more losses in local elections
11 minutes ago -
Modi’s hit squads operating in Canada threaten national security: Pannun
21 minutes ago -
Flood-hit Kenya and Tanzania buffeted by tropical cyclone
30 minutes ago -
Boeing's Starliner finally ready for first crewed mission
30 minutes ago -
Ambassador Hashmi speaks highly of Chang'e 6 project
31 minutes ago
-
Traffic accident kills two, injures 13 in Afghanistan
2 hours ago -
Tunisia calls for more investments in economic zones
2 hours ago -
Japanese, Brazilian leaders agree to protect Amazon rainforest
2 hours ago -
Death toll from Indonesia's flooding, landslides rises to 15
2 hours ago -
Foreign enterprises have more confidence in Chinese market: survey
2 hours ago -
Chinese comedy "The Last Frenzy" tops Chinese box office
2 hours ago