2008 Greenlandic self-government referendum
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A non-binding referendum on Greenland's autonomy was held on 25 November 2008. It was passed with 75% approval (63% in Nuuk) and a 72% turnout.[1] The referendum was announced by Prime Minister Hans Enoksen on 2 January 2008.[2] Enoksen also announced the launch of an information and discussion campaign on the issue of self-government. This included town hall meetings throughout the country.[3]
Background
Greenland became a Danish colony in 1775 and was made a province of Denmark in 1953. In 1979, it was made an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, with a parliament and local control of health care, schools, and social services. In 1985, it withdrew from the European Union to maintain control of fishing in its territorial waters. There has been some movement towards independence, encouraged by Denmark but held back by Greenland's need for economic subsidies. However, many elements of the Greenlandic government now expect oil and mineral resources to become accessible with the melting icecap.
A 2003 report from the Commission on Self-governance outlined six possibilities for the future of Greenland.[4] These were:
- Independence
- Union with another country, similar to the former Kingdom of Iceland (1918 – 1944)
- Free Association, similar to the relationship between Palau and the United States
- Federation
- Increased self-government for Greenland, beyond what is guaranteed today by the Home Rule.
- Complete integration
Proposal
 | This article appears to contradict itself on the ratio of subsidies to Greenlands's GDP. |
Although the referendum is non-binding upon the Danish parliament, it has supported it and promised to honour the results.
The proposals are to expand home rule in 30 areas, including police, courts, and the coast guard, give Greenland a say in foreign policy and a more definite split of future oil revenue, and make Greenlandic the sole official language. Under the proposal, Greenland's subsidies from Copenhagen will be phased out. The subsidy is currently 3.5 billion kroner ($588 million) per year, which accounts for about two-thirds of the island's economy.[5] If enacted, Greenlanders would become a separate people under international law.[6]
Results
| This article appears to contradict itself on the ratio of subsidies to Greenland's GDP. |
The referendum passed and the results will take effect on 21 June 2009, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of home rule.[7] The Greenlandic government has stated that this is a "major step towards independence".[6] The referendum gives Greenland control of the police force, coastguard, and courts.[8] In addition, Greenlandic will become the sole official language once the referendum is enacted, and Danish will be removed.[8] Oil revenues will be divided differently, as well. The first 75 million kroner (US$13.1 million) will go to Greenland, and the remaining revenue will be split evenly with Denmark.[8] Greenlanders are also recognized as a separate group of people under international law,[9] and the island will also receive less Danish subsidy, which currently accounts for about 30% of Greenland's GDP.[6]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
 Yes
|
21,355 | 75.54 |
| No | 6,663 | 23.57 |
| Total votes | 28,268 | 100.00 |
The result was met with some skepticism by Danish politicians. Per Ørum Jørgensen, who helped negotiate the agreement, said that it may be "30–40 years" before Greenland is ready to take charge of itself. MP Søren Espersen from the party, Dansk Folkeparti (Danish Peoples Party) said that Greenlanders had been "brainwashed with unprecedented propaganda" and that he believed "huge problems are waiting in the future".[11]
References
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/27/world/europe/27greenland.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
- ^ Ukiortaami oqalugiaat 2008 Namminersornerullutik Oqartussat, 2 January 2008 Template:Kl icon
- ^ Namminersorneq pillugu paasititsiniaaneq Namminersornerullutik Oqartussat, 7 January 2008 Template:Kl icon
- ^ Report from the Commission on Self-governance, March 2003 Namminersornerullutik Oqartussat
- ^ "Facts and figures about Greenland". International Herald Tribune. 2008-11-26. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
- ^ a b c Greenland votes for more autonomy BBC News, 26 November 2008
- ^ Referendum set to give Greenland more autonomy Trend News, 8 November 2008
- ^ a b c McSmith, Andy (2008-11-27). "The Big Question: Is Greenland ready for independence, and what would it mean for its people?". The Independent. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
- ^ Cowell, Alan (2008-11-26). "Greenland Vote Favors Independence". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
- ^ "Vejledende folkeafstemning om selvstyre ∙ 25-11-2008" (in Danish). SermitValg. 2008-11-26. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
- ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7752660.stm
