Greenland’s Demokraatit Party has made significant gains in the country’s general election, a result that could align with Donald Trump’s interest in the Arctic island’s vast mineral wealth.

The pro-business party more than tripled its seats to 10 in the 31-seat Inatsisartut parliament, with negotiations now underway to form a coalition.

Meanwhile, the staunchly pro-independence Naleraq party doubled its seats to eight, while the ruling coalition suffered heavy losses.

“People want change,” said Demokraatit leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen after the final vote count in Nuuk. “We don’t want independence tomorrow, we want to build a good foundation.”

Independence became a key election issue following Trump’s repeated claims that Greenland is strategically vital to US national security and will eventually be part of the United States. 

The island, three times the size of Texas but with only 57,000 residents, holds vast rare earth mineral deposits crucial for high-tech industries.

Though Nielsen rejected Trump’s past attempts to acquire Greenland, his party has expressed willingness to engage in commercial dialogue with the US. 

“If you add up the election result, voters were driven by business development and independence. And that’s good news for Trump,” said Mikkel Vedby Rasmussen, a professor of political science at the University of Copenhagen.

Greenland remains semi-autonomous from Denmark, which still controls its foreign affairs, defence, and monetary policy, contributing nearly $1 billion annually to its economy.

The election marks a shift towards economic liberalisation, particularly in mining, as the new leadership aims to create a more self-sufficient economy while reducing state interference.