Government Crisis in Greenland
The government of Greenland, formed in the spring of 2025 following the parliamentary elections on March 11, is currently facing its second crisis in just over a year and a half of existence. This latest crisis stems from the withdrawal of the Atassut party—which holds two seats in the 31-member parliament—from the governing coalition.
The first government crisis occurred on March 13, 2026, when the Siumut party, represented by four members of parliament, left the coalition. This led to a change in the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs: former Prime Minister Múte B. Egede took over the role, replacing Vivian Motzfeldt.
That initial crisis created the first crack in the coalition government’s solid political foundation—a foundation that had previously rested on a comfortable majority of 23 out of 31 seats. This situation has now been compounded by a second crisis, which is unfolding before our eyes.
For reasons that might seem rather trivial to an outside observer, the Atassut party—one of the country’s oldest (dating back to 1978) and the only party to oppose Greenlandic independence—has walked out of the government. Consequently, its sole cabinet minister, Maritha Broberg, will soon be stepping down from her post.
In terms of numbers, the government’s majority has shrunk to 17 out of 31 parliamentary seats (though the text below mentions 18 seats). Of the four parties that originally formed the coalition, only two remain represented in the government, holding a combined total of 17 seats. The common practice among Greenlandic politicians of occasionally switching from one party to another—a precedent famously set by Winston Churchill, who changed his political allegiances twice in a short span—could spell trouble for the Greenlandic government. The mandates of both the government and the parliament are set to expire in 2029, shortly after President Trump leaves office.
By-elections, which might be triggered by the departure of any parliamentary member, could lead to a similar outcome. A 17-seat majority is hardly a comfortable margin for a stable government in this Danish autonomous territory—a territory that aspires to independence in the foreseeable future.
Moreover, the occurrence of two government crises within a short period points to the immaturity of Greenland’s democracy, as well as the volatile state of mind of certain lawmakers and party members—individuals prone to acting on emotional impulses over issues that, upon first, second, or even third glance, appear entirely trivial.
A Second Party Is Leaving the Governing Coalition
Atassut (Solidarity) has chosen to withdraw from the coalition, the party states in a press release.
The current coalition within the Government of Greenland will henceforth operate without Atassut.
In a press release, the party announces its decision to withdraw from the coalition.
According to the press release, this decision was reached during a meeting on November 8 by a unanimous executive committee.
“The decision stems from recent events involving Parliament and Government. Atassut believes that Nivi Olsen should take responsibility for the matter and resign as a member of the Government. However, the coalition decided that Nivi Olsen should remain in her position, disregarding Atassut’s views,” the party writes in the press release.
“Atassut believes that the coalition lacks fair and responsible political leadership. Consequently, Atassut is withdrawing from the coalition.”
During a debate in the Parliament on Thursday, two motions of no confidence were expressed against Nivi Olsen, the Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, and Church.
This occurred because Siumut argued that she had failed to handle the matter regarding grants to the association KNQK (The Greenland Dogsledding Association) in accordance with her responsibilities as a Minister.
However, although the association itself has acknowledged using the funds for purposes other than those for which they were granted, Nivi Olsen maintains that she has not broken the law.
“I cannot see how I have violated the law,” Nivi Olsen stated during the debate on Thursday. Although Atassut has withdrawn from the coalition, Inuit Ataqatigiit and Demokraatit still hold a majority in Inatsisartut, with 18 out of 31 seats.
Atassut Vice-Chair Bentiaraq Ottosen writes in a Facebook post that the principles of mutual respect and fairness have not been upheld.
“No one has taken responsibility, and based on our assessment, we are therefore announcing that we can no longer participate in the political cooperation within the government,” writes Bentiaraq Ottosen.
On Friday, Nivi Olsen released a press statement explaining why she believes no laws have been broken.
“Against this background, it is difficult to see which of the cited provisions in the Parliament Act on Cultural and Leisure Activities I could possibly have disregarded.”
However, Bentiaraq Ottosen writes that they cannot accept the shirking of responsibility:
“Atassut stands for fairness and integrity, and for this reason, we are withdrawing from the coalition. Recent events are unacceptable, and responsibility for what occurred has been evaded. We have reached this decision after careful consideration.”
Atassut currently has one serving member of the Government, Maritha Broberg, who serves as the Minister for Social Affairs, Labor, Families, and Internal Affairs.
Following Atassut’s withdrawal from the coalition, a new person must now be found to fill this position.
KNR TV has attempted to secure interviews with the head of the Government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and the leader of Inuit Ataqatigiit, Múte B. Egede. However, both have declined.
Atassut’s leader, Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen, and deputy leader, Bentiaraq Ottosen, are both scheduled to appear for a live interview on KNR TV at 20:05.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen has, however, responded via Facebook, stating that he is disappointed by the decision:
“Atassut has announced today that the party is withdrawing from the Naalakkersuisut and the coalition. I regret this, and I must also say that I am disappointed by the manner in which it has taken place,” writes Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
The head of the Government did, however, express gratitude for the collaboration:
“I would like to thank Atassut for the cooperation we have shared and for the responsibility the party has helped to shoulder. We have not agreed on everything, but together we have made important decisions for our country.”
Source: KNR (in Danish)
