Greenland began voting Tuesday in legislative elections that could determine a timeline for independence from Denmark. Polls opened at 9:00 am and will close at 8:00 pm, with first results expected hours later. The election for the 31-seat Inatsisartut parliament comes as the territory faces renewed attention from US President Donald Trump - according to Firstpost.

"Our country is in the eye of the storm," said outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede, who leads the left-green Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party. In a Facebook video posted hours before voting began, Egede noted, "The international community is watching us closely, and we have recently seen how much they are trying to influence our country."

The campaign primarily focused on healthcare, education, and future relations with Denmark, which still controls Greenland's foreign, defense, and monetary policy. Many Greenlanders say they are tired of being treated like second-class citizens by their former colonial power, accusing Denmark of suppressing their culture and past injustices.

All major Greenlandic political parties support independence but disagree on timing. The nationalist Naleraq party, the main opposition, wants to pursue independence quickly. Meanwhile, the outgoing coalition parties—Inuit Ataqatigiit and the social democratic Siumut—prefer waiting until the island achieves financial independence.

Greenland faces economic challenges on its path to self-determination. The ice-covered island depends on:

• Its fisheries sector for almost all exports
• Annual Danish subsidies exceeding $565 million (about one-fifth of GDP)
• Potential future revenue from untapped mineral reserves, including rare earth elements

Trump's interest has added complexity to the election. He recently renewed his ambition to acquire Greenland, refusing to rule out force and citing US national security. On Sunday, Trump invited Greenlanders "to be a part of the Greatest Nation anywhere in the World" and promised to make them "rich."

A January poll showed 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose Trump's proposal. "We don't want to be American. He is so arrogant," said Rene Olsen, a 58-year-old ship repairman. Yet Trump's statements have affected the campaign, with Naleraq claiming leverage for independence negotiations with Denmark, while some independence supporters now find continued Danish ties more attractive.

Trump's focus on Greenland reflects a broader pattern of assertive policies toward strategic regions. His recent threats of 100% tariffs against BRICS nations and comments on dollar dominance show a willingness to use economic leverage for geopolitical aims. This approach has prompted many countries to seek financial alternatives, much as Greenland now weighs its own path forward between Danish ties and full independence.