The Greenlandic party driving the movement for full independence from Denmark

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Inuit Ataqatigiit, meaning 'Community of the People', has become a dominant force in Greenlandic politics. From its radical roots in the 1970s to its recent electoral surges, the party balances socialist ideals with a vision for a competitive, independent Greenland that prioritizes environmental protection.

Founded in 1976 amidst the rising youth radicalism seen in Denmark during the 1970s, Inuit Ataqatigiit has shaped Greenland's modern political landscape. The party is defined by its democratic socialist principles and its advocacy for Greenland's full independence from Denmark. One of its most significant historical victories occurred in 1982, when the party successfully campaigned for Greenland to exit the European Economic Community (EEC) via a national referendum.

The party's influence in the Greenlandic parliament has fluctuated significantly over recent decades. In 2009, the party achieved a major breakthrough, nearly doubling its vote share from 22.4% to 43.7% and increasing its seats from seven to 14 out of 31. This surge allowed it to displace its former coalition partners, the Forward and Democrats parties. While its presence shifted to 11 seats in 2014 and 8 seats in 2018, it regained its position as the largest party in the 2021 elections with 12 seats, before falling to third place with seven seats in 2025.

In terms of governance, the party's leadership is currently held by Múte Bourup Egede, who has led the organization since December 2018. While traditionally supporting a socialist economy, the party has faced criticism from more left-wing factions for shifting toward a market economy and privatization. Despite these internal debates, the party remains focused on a dual mission: ensuring an independent Greenland is economically competitive while maintaining a commitment to environmental cleanliness.

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