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Greenland's siumut party withdraws from governing coalition
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 13, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 13, 2026
Quick Summary
Greenland’s Siumut party has exited Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen’s four‑party coalition, citing internal tensions over ministerial candidacies, yet the government retains a majority and vows to continue amid U.S. pressure on the Arctic island.
Siumut Party Withdraws from Greenland's Coalition Government Amid Political Tensions
Political Upheaval in Greenland's Government
Background of the Coalition Withdrawal
COPENHAGEN, March 13 (Reuters) - Greenland's Siumut party has withdrawn from the coalition government, the prime minister said on Friday, weakening efforts to present a united front against U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign to take control of the Arctic island.
Reasons Behind Siumut's Departure
The departure follows Siumut chair Aleqa Hammond's warning that the party would leave after two Greenlandic ministers announced candidacies for Denmark's March 24 parliamentary election without prior leave.
Reactions from Greenlandic Leadership
Prime Minister's Response
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed disappointment but said his government would carry on, emphasising the importance of governance during heightened global scrutiny.
Statements on National Unity
"I think it's terribly bad timing and I'm very frustrated and disappointed that it's happening at a time when we should be standing together," he told reporters.
"Anything that might look like division in our country is grist to the mill for foreigners and we should avoid that at all cost," he said.
Implications for Greenland's Political Landscape
Impact on Coalition Stability
The broad coalition had been a cornerstone of Nielsen's strategy to respond to what he has termed Greenland's most serious time in recent history.
Siumut's departure means that Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, who has played a key role in diplomatic talks with the United States, is leaving her post, according to broadcaster KNR.
Parliamentary Majority and Upcoming Elections
The loss of Siumut's support, which holds four seats in Greenland's 31-seat Inatsisartut assembly, does not threaten the government's majority, as Nielsen's coalition retains control with its remaining 19 seats.
Greenland will elect two members to Denmark's parliament later this month.
(Reporting by Stine Jacobsen and Louise Rasmussen, editing by Terje Solsvik)
Key Takeaways
- •Siumut’s withdrawal stems from unauthorized candidacy announcements by two Greenlandic ministers for Denmark’s March 24 election—a move criticized by party chair Aleqa Hammond.
- •The coalition loss removes Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt (Siumut) from her post, but Nielsen’s coalition keeps 19 of 31 seats—still holding a working majority.
- •The split occurs at a geopolitically sensitive time, as Greenland faces heightened U.S. interest in the Arctic, prompting calls for unity from the prime minister and observers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greenland's Siumut party withdraws from governing coalition
1Why did the Siumut party withdraw from Greenland's coalition government?
Siumut withdrew after two ministers announced candidacies for Denmark's parliamentary election without taking leave, despite warnings from party chair Aleqa Hammond.
2Does Siumut’s exit threaten the Greenland government’s majority?
No, the government retains a majority with 19 out of 31 seats after Siumut's departure.
3Who is stepping down as a result of Siumut leaving the coalition?
Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Foreign Minister, is leaving her post.
4What is Greenland's Prime Minister's response to Siumut's departure?
Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for unity during a critical period for Greenland.
5How does Siumut’s withdrawal affect Greenland’s position regarding U.S. Arctic interests?
The split weakens Greenland’s united front against U.S. attempts to increase influence over the Arctic island.
