At the Siumut extraordinary national meeting, Aleqa Hammond was elected as the new chair of the party. A political commentator says that she will not lack tasks if she is to restore the party, which has experienced a significant setback.
In the election for Inatsisartut, Siumut fell back historically significantly, with a drop of 14.7 percent.
The then chairman of Siumut, Erik Jensen, resigned as party leader as a result of this, and deputy chairman Vivian Motzfeldt temporarily served as chairman.
Due to the chairman’s resignation, Siumut held an extraordinary national meeting over the weekend.
There were two candidates for the position of chairman: Vivian Motzfeldt and Aleqa Hammond. Aleqa Hammond received the most votes and was thus elected as chairman of the party.
If Aleqa is to bring the Siumut party forward, a big task awaits, says political analyst Jenseeraq Poulsen to KNR:
– The founders of Siumut have said that the party is not just a party, but is based on a way of life in society, and this has perhaps for many years created a feeling among the population that this foundation has been erased.
– If it is to be restored, you have to listen to the people and move forward, he says.
Erik Jensen, former chairman of Siumut, says that the party has been too unclear in its political messages, which contributed to the major election defeat.
To that, the political commentator says:
– When you have gone back so far, you must also humbly acknowledge it – you cannot avoid that. If you can speak out without showing regret, it may indicate that you are not facing reality, says Jenseeraq Poulsen and continues:
– We know that Aleqa is strong in dialogue. We also know that Aleqa not only has networks in Greenland, but also internationally. That network outside the country can also be a great advantage when it comes to her credibility.
Aleqa’s strengths can be an advantage
When Aleqa Hammond was chairman of Siumut in 2013 and formed the government, the party had more than ten members in Inatsisartut.
Today, Siumut has four – a clear sign of decline.
This decline, Jenseeraq Poulsen believes, means Aleqa Hammond may be the right one to turn it around:
– Aleqa’s strength is her extensive political experience and her ability to network. If she uses it properly, there is no doubt that she can bring Siumut forward again.
– Aleqa doesn’t back down – when she says how things should be done, she follows it up with action. This shows that she has a determined and stable character.
Jenseeraq Poulsen adds that one of Aleqa’s major tasks will be to handle the internal division that Siumut often exudes as a party.