Greenland's premier dismisses Venezuela takeover comparisons

The Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has moved to publicly defuse tensions by drawing a sharp distinction between his nation's political reality and the recent military intervention in Venezuela. During a press briefing on Monday, Nielsen firmly rejected the growing international comparison, stating, "Our country is not the right one to compare with Venezuela. We have a country that is democratic. It has been so for many, many years." He directly addressed public concerns, seeking to reassure citizens that there is no imminent threat of a forced annexation by the United States.

A Call for Direct Diplomacy Over Media Speculation

A central theme of Prime Minister Nielsen's address was a clear call for a change in diplomatic tone. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of discussions and criticized the reliance on indirect communication channels. "Now it must be enough that communication takes place through the media and via various roundabout channels. That is not respectful," Nielsen declared. He emphasized that Greenland is not in a situation where an "overnight takeover" is conceivable and urged for a restoration of the good cooperation historically enjoyed with the United States, dismissing speculation about military scenarios as inappropriate.

Urging Domestic and International Unity

Recognizing the anxiety among the population, Nielsen called for solidarity both within Greenland and with its international allies. "We must show that we stand together in society. The countries we are allied with, we must also show our unity," he stated. His comments reflect an effort to project strength and cohesion in the face of external pressure. The Prime Minister asserted that his government, Naalakkersuisut, is undertaking all possible measures to manage the situation, though he warned the government would "sharpen its tone" if the public discourse does not change.

Context of US Statements and International Backing

Nielsen's remarks come amid renewed statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reiterated his desire to take control of Greenland for U.S. security interests following the operation in Venezuela. The Prime Minister's position has received strong backing from Denmark, Greenland's sovereign, and broader European support. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has urged an end to the threats, while the European Union and several member states have voiced unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Denmark and its autonomous territory.