The newly elected members: There is more that unites us than divides us

The two newly elected members of the Folketing from Greenland, Naaja H. Nathanielsen (IA) and Qarsoq Høegh-Dam (Naleraq) had lunch together at the Snapstinget on Tuesday after their meetings with negotiating leader Mette Frederiksen at Marienborg.

And it will probably not be the last time, because the two agree that there is more that unites them than divides them.

– We have had open and good talks with Inuit Ataqatigiit, and even though we are different parties, there is more we agree on than divides us, says Qarsoq Høegh-Dam.

Both members brought their party chairmen to Marienborg.

A clear line

After the meeting, party chairman of IA and member of Naalakkersuisut Múte B. Egede told Sermitsiaq that he and Naaja H. Nathanielsen had entered the negotiations together to show the party's clear line.

– For us, it has been important to show that Inuit Ataqatigiit is a unit. We stand by what we have said for a long time, and there is still much that we have not finished.

In an update on Facebook, Naaja H. Nathanielsen wrote immediately after the meeting that the party had entered the negotiations with demands for real equality between the three countries, which requires changes to both the Constitution and the Self-Government Act.

In addition, they demanded greater decision-making authority, access to confidential information on domestic and foreign affairs, and that all Danish areas of responsibility in Greenland be brought to the same standard as in Denmark.

The Constitution and the Self-Government Act must be reformed

Regarding Sermitsiaq, Naaja H. Nathanielsen elaborates on the party's demands and expectations of the future Danish government:

- We have a fundamental desire to reform. Equality and gender equality is really difficult under the current constitution. It was simply written in a time before there was a parliament in Greenland, and it needs updating. The Self-Government Act is also a few years old, and there are some challenges in it. For example, it states that areas of responsibility cannot be taken over in phases, which makes it difficult for a small administration like ours to take over areas.

- I also believe that we need to get the same level of information. I have personally experienced that information of importance for the areas of responsibility for which I was responsible was difficult to obtain. We can do better.

Make flexible and reinforce

For Naaja H. Nathanielsen, it is not about taking something from someone, but about making flexible and reinforcing.

– We ask for equality and access to the same knowledge, so that we stand stronger together. I believe that if you want this Kingdom, you have to reform now. Otherwise, you give space to those with the more polarized statements and positions. And if our ally the USA continues to threaten us, then there is even more reason for the Kingdom to stand strengthened and not weakened in the future.

Away with the support wheels

Party chairman Múte B. Egede adds:

– In general, it is about equality and our own right to conduct foreign policy. We do not need support wheels in the form of a Danish minister, an ambassador or an envoy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for meetings. We share values ​​with Denmark, and we can stand on our own two feet, which we have also shown in the areas we have taken home, where we ourselves conduct foreign policy work, says Múte B. Egede, who experienced a responsiveness from the negotiation leader.

 

– We have gradually talked a lot about these topics in the last few election periods. We are experiencing an increasing responsiveness politically, but also that things are still going on in the old way in the system. The old dinosaurs are difficult to move. We are experiencing that we have to repeatedly hit the table hard before things change, and that is not sustainable.

Close dialogue is crucial

Neither Inuit Ataqatigiit nor Naleraq will reveal which specific proposals they had for a future government basis.

– We presented a number of wishes for the government foundation, but we are not discussing them in the media, says Múte B. Egede and adds that the current geopolitical situation is still tense, and that it requires a close dialogue between Greenland and the allies.

– It is still a difficult situation we are in, which requires that we cooperate closely with those we are closest allies with and with whom we share values. Denmark, Greenland and the EU countries must cooperate to re-establish the normal state, where you can count on the allies, and that you do not pressure each other. That is what the world needs. That is what Greenland needs. And I think that is also what the Kingdom needs. And therefore it is even more important that internally in the Kingdom, our wish for real equality is listened to, says Múte B. Egede.

Constructive negotiation

At Naleraq, the atmosphere was also good after the first round of negotiations at Marienborg. – We had a constructive meeting and the coffee was good, and then the rest will depend on the aftertaste. We are following up on what we said in the election campaign. We expect more follow-up meetings with the negotiation leader. I don't know when that will be, though. Right now, the Danish parties are having a hard time reaching an agreement, says Qarsoq Høegh-Dam, who said during the election campaign, among other things, that power should be transferred from Denmark to Greenland and that a future prime minister should not interfere in Greenlandic affairs. He has also expressed that Denmark must modernize the areas of responsibility for which they are still responsible before these are taken back, and that there should be no militarization in Greenland.

Watchdog in Denmark

Party leader Pele Broberg also says that they listened attentively and that they repeated their message that their task was to be a watchdog in Denmark.

– I was at the negotiation to ensure that the Danish negotiating leader understands the seriousness of our policy. Our member of parliament will not act in opposition to Naalakkersuisut, but will instead be a kind of watchdog in Denmark, ensuring that the Self-Government Act is followed in the Folketing. We are not interested in changing the Danish constitution or anything else, says Pele Broberg.