Greenland votes for further autonomy and wealth
Published 26.11.08 12:07
Massive support for Greenland self-rule referendum, 75 percent vote yes The Greenlandic referendum on self-rule last night resulted in overwhelming support for further autonomy from Denmark, in a move that will be bolstered by valuable Arctic resources.
A little over 75 percent voted in favour of self-rule while 23.57 percent voted against. Turnout among the 39,000 eligible voters was at 71.96 percent.
‘I am incredibly moved and have shed tears of happiness. I want to thank the people for their support. Now we can take the next step,’ said Greenlandic premier, Hans Enoksen, to KNR news.
The former Danish colony was granted semi-autonomy in 1979, but did not gain control over justice or foreign affairs.
A deal hammered out between the Danish and Greenlandic governments this summer will give the sparsely populated country the right to revenue from valuable natural resources, such as oil and gas.
Denmark subsidises Greenland with annual grants of more than three billion kroner. The self-rule legislation, due to be enacted next June, will allow Greenland to retain the first 75 million kroner from mineral exploration. Subsequent revenues will be divided between the two countries until the block grant is fully reduced and Denmark is completely compensated.
The introduction of self-rule means that Greenlanders will now be treated as separate people under international law. Kalaallisut (Greenlandic) will become the official language for the 56,000 inhabitants, many of whom are native Inuit.
Policing and justice powers will be passed to the Greenlandic authorities. However, as Greenland will remain part of the Danish kingdom, the Danish Supreme Court will remain the highest court of justice. While the country is still subject to the Danish constitution, it will not be able to dictate foreign policy.
Greenland will gain increased independence in areas of administration, but at a price. Thirty new areas of government will come under Greenlandic control. The total amount for administering the new areas amounts to 300 million kroner. Approximately 200 million kroner of this will go to establishing an independent judiciary, law enforcement and correctional system.
Areas that are not covered by the introduction of self-rule include a constitution, foreign affairs, defense and security policy, Supreme Court justice, citizenship and currency policies.
Published 26.11.08 12:07
Massive support for Greenland self-rule referendum, 75 percent vote yes The Greenlandic referendum on self-rule last night resulted in overwhelming support for further autonomy from Denmark, in a move that will be bolstered by valuable Arctic resources.
A little over 75 percent voted in favour of self-rule while 23.57 percent voted against. Turnout among the 39,000 eligible voters was at 71.96 percent.
‘I am incredibly moved and have shed tears of happiness. I want to thank the people for their support. Now we can take the next step,’ said Greenlandic premier, Hans Enoksen, to KNR news.
The former Danish colony was granted semi-autonomy in 1979, but did not gain control over justice or foreign affairs.
A deal hammered out between the Danish and Greenlandic governments this summer will give the sparsely populated country the right to revenue from valuable natural resources, such as oil and gas.
Denmark subsidises Greenland with annual grants of more than three billion kroner. The self-rule legislation, due to be enacted next June, will allow Greenland to retain the first 75 million kroner from mineral exploration. Subsequent revenues will be divided between the two countries until the block grant is fully reduced and Denmark is completely compensated.
The introduction of self-rule means that Greenlanders will now be treated as separate people under international law. Kalaallisut (Greenlandic) will become the official language for the 56,000 inhabitants, many of whom are native Inuit.
Policing and justice powers will be passed to the Greenlandic authorities. However, as Greenland will remain part of the Danish kingdom, the Danish Supreme Court will remain the highest court of justice. While the country is still subject to the Danish constitution, it will not be able to dictate foreign policy.
Greenland will gain increased independence in areas of administration, but at a price. Thirty new areas of government will come under Greenlandic control. The total amount for administering the new areas amounts to 300 million kroner. Approximately 200 million kroner of this will go to establishing an independent judiciary, law enforcement and correctional system.
Areas that are not covered by the introduction of self-rule include a constitution, foreign affairs, defense and security policy, Supreme Court justice, citizenship and currency policies.
