- We must ensure that we can stay living in Greenland

The day before Christmas the mayor of Avannaata Kommunia, Lars Erik Gabrielsen (S), went live on it social media TikTok. Over 6,800 people followed while he in a longer post shared his reflections on Greenland's situation in a time characterized by increased international interest and political uncertainty.

A tactic for those who stay

The day before Christmas the mayor of Avannaata Kommunia, Lars Erik Gabrielsen (S), went live on it social media TikTok. Over 6,800 people followed while he in a longer post shared his reflections on Greenland's situation in a time characterized by increased international interest and political uncertainty.

A tactic for those who stay

According to the mayor, it is crucial to take starting point in those who will be living in Greenland in a narrowed future, where The USA may have or will take over Greenland.

- Greenland is a small community. We are few people, and we are the ones who have to stay here - too if the situation worsens. Some can travel to Denmark. The rest of us can't. Or we consciously choose to stay. Therefore, we have a right to know which one direction our country is moving in, he says.

He warns against a debate where Greenland risks making itself unwelcome through anger and rejection – especially in relation to the USA.

- We haven't shown us as the friendly people we are otherwise known for. On the contrary, it will be we get angry as soon as the US is mentioned. But if we want to ensure that we can stay living in our own country in peace and without oppression, then it requires dialogue, he says.

The dialogue has been odd

Erik Lars Gabrielsen emphasizes that dialogue is not about submission, but about equality.

- In that the last six months the dialogue has not been equal. It's a problem. For them actors who are interested in Greenland do not just come to talk. they come because Greenland has strategic importance.

According to the mayor, one must have no illusions that major powers will not engage itself in Greenland.

- We must not imagine to ourselves that the US will not come or that the EU will "win". EU and France stands weak without the USA. And when a major power says that Greenland is important to them security, then it is a reality we have to deal with, he says.

Criticism of closed processes

At the same time he criticizes the fact that citizens are not involved enough in the decisions that be met.

- We are not went to the polls to have a stance on our current situation. We are gone for elections on amendments to the Fisheries Act and on mandatory pension savings. If our mandate is used for far-reaching decisions about the country's future without openness, then it is wrong, he says.

He points to that there is talk of changes in the Self-Government Act, while the block grant is locked in, but that, at the same time, easier access to large grants is given, among other things for infrastructure projects such as a new Atlantic quay.

- It can give a feeling that we are being paid to stay without having to know what the plan is, he says.

A call before it's too late

In conclusion, Lars Erik Gabrielsen encourages for Greenland to act before the situation escalates.

– When we now hear politicians say that you should engage in dialogue, then I say: We should have done long ago. Equality. Not until now that someone has stayed anger.

- For those, who are fighting for influence will not be living here with us if that becomes difficult. We do. And therefore our tactics must be clear: Dialogue, openness and respect – so that we can stay living in our own country.