A crisis is unfolding in Greenland’s government. The broad coalition that had governed since the last parliamentary election collapsed almost exactly one year later, and Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt has been dismissed. The immediate trigger was a dispute over the candidacy of two Greenlandic ministers for the Danish parliament-a position that will be re‑elected in a special early election on March 24. The Siumut party, which also participates in the government, demands a strict separation of office in Greenland from the mandate in Copenhagen, and has therefore left the coalition in protest. Motzfeldt, whose tenure became internationally noted for her clash with the United States, confirmed her surprise and disappointment at her party’s decision on Friday.
Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen, leader of the social‑liberal Democrats, also condemned the departure. He said the country is under unprecedented foreign pressure and attention, which is why forming a broad coalition was essential: “When external pressure rises, we need unity at home”. He added that the government will continue to function and that he still enjoys a majority in parliament. Following the March 2025 election, Nielsen had incorporated all other parties into negotiations; only a grouping demanding a swift start to independence talks was excluded from the cabinet.
