By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen
COPENHAGEN (Reuters) – Jens-Frederik Nielsen, a 33-year-old former minister of industry and minerals, was sworn in as the youngest prime minister of Greenland on Friday to face the challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s ambitions to control the Arctic island.
In his first press conference as prime minister in his hometown Nuuk, he called for political unity to combat external pressures. His message was clear: “At a time when we as a people are under pressure, we must stand together.”
Nielsen’s economic vision for Greenland is ambitious. He aims to shift the focus from discussions about Denmark’s block grant – a little less than $1 billion each year that keeps the economy afloat – to business development and the creation of a self-sustaining economy.
His ultimate goal is for Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, to achieve independence through economic self-reliance.
His ministerial experience could prove important at a time when Greenland’s minerals wealth is in Trump’s sights.
A White House official has said Greenland’s supply of rare earth minerals would power the next generation of the U.S. economy.
The island, whose capital is closer to New York than the Danish capital Copenhagen, boasts mineral, oil and natural gas, but development has been slow and the mining sector has seen very limited U.S. investment.
As well as his life in politics, Nielsen, sworn in just hours before a high-profile U.S. delegation arrived on the island, is best known as a sportsman and hunter.
Born and raised in Greenland, Nielsen poses with reindeer he has shot on Facebook posts and has several national badminton championships under his belt.
He is known for playing traditional Greenlandic songs at gatherings of his pro-business party, The Democrats, which has joined forces with a small right-wing party and two left-leaning parties in the new coalition.
As a social science graduate from the University of Greenland, or Ilisimatusarfik, Nielsen has been involved in politics since his high school years, according to IT consultant Hans Brummerstedt, who has known Nielsen since childhood.
Nielsen’s charisma, sense of humour, and social intelligence set him apart, he said.
“He carries an infectious energy, and he’s well-liked no matter where he goes,” Brummerstedt said. “In general, he’s just a decent person who is always extremely well-prepared in everything he does.”
(Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen; Editing by Alison Williams)
