Nathanielsen on his way to the Folketing: We must ensure equality in the Realm

"I imagine you're busy - Do you have time to answer some questions?"   

- Soorunami - Yes, actually it's a bit quieter today. I've caught a real cold from standing outside all election day, replies Naaja H. Nathanielsen, when Sermitsiaq catches her on the phone.

After five years with some of the heaviest posts in Naalakkersuisut, Naaja H. Nathanielsen (IA) is now moving into Christiansborg with a clear mandate from the Greenlandic voters. For Nathanielsen, the change is not just a career move, but a necessary prioritization of the relationship between Nuuk and Copenhagen.

- I have long wanted to work more directly with the relationship between Denmark and Greenland, because there are some obvious things that need to be improved, she explains about her motivation for seeking election to the Folketing.

Although she is leaving behind a central role in Naalakkersuisut, she sees her new role as crucial for the country's future position in the Commonwealth. Her political compass points towards a fundamental reform of the cooperation.

- The most important thing for me is the overall framework for the kingdom. We must develop the relationship and ensure equality within that framework, Nathanielsen tells Sermitsiaq.

It was up to the voters

Her victory in the general election, where Inuit Ataqatigiit became the largest party, sends her to Denmark with solid popular support behind her. Asked about the timing and political maneuvering behind the switch, she denies that there was a hidden agenda behind it.

- I have never had a fixed career plan. It is about the fact that I wanted to work more with the relationship between Denmark and Greenland, which I did not have the opportunity to do in my previous role. The decision was not strategic, and ultimately it was up to the voters, emphasizes Naaja.

With a past as both Director of the Prison and Probation Service and one of Greenland's most central members of Naalakkersuisut, Naaja H. Nathanielsen brings good ballast to the upcoming negotiations in Copenhagen. She sees this background as her primary driver for creating results.

- I am used to political work, especially negotiation techniques and cooperation across parties. In addition, I have worked extensively with topics that affect Greenland, such as business development, economy and energy. I can take that knowledge directly with me, continues Naaja H. Nathanielsen.

So what happens now?

Although the election has just ended, the calendar for the first time in the Danish capital is already in place. The preparations will culminate just after Easter, when the political visions will be exchanged for practical work in committees.

- I will be in Denmark for some negotiations in the coming time, and then we will formally meet on April 14, where I will be present for the signing in connection with the constitution of the Folketing. That will be the first real working day. Until then, it will be about negotiations, preparations and establishing the secretariat, explains Nathanielsen.

Mineral resources policy is not security policy

Although the daily focus in the Folketing will be on the broad political craft, Naaja H. Nathanielsen brings a number of invariable principles to Copenhagen. In particular, the issue of the Greenland resources, which she has managed as Naalakkersuisoq, will remain a key issue that she will take into the Danish parliament.

- I believe that natural resources policy is not the same as security policy, and Greenland has the right to its own natural resources. I will stand by that, Naaja points out.

However, Nathanielsen does not see Greenland's voice as isolated. She points to the value of a united North Atlantic front when the broad lines of the Republic of Denmark are to be drawn, and she therefore reaches out to her colleagues from the Faroe Islands, as she herself says:

- I hope for close cooperation with the North Atlantic mandates. We are different, but we also have many common challenges. I hope that we can find common ground and cooperate as much as possible, even though we are part of different party groups.

Continuing to work for increased self-determination

For Nathanielsen, the work at Christiansborg is ultimately a means to a greater end. Although the immediate task is about equality and daily politics, the ideological course is rooted in the desire for a more independent future for Greenland, regardless of how long that process may be.

- I still believe that changes must be planned properly. I continue to work for increased self-determination, and that is still my overarching goal, states Naaja H. Nathanielsen.