Interview with Aleqa Hammond: Will Siumut go into opposition?

After a close fight and words of forgiveness, the new chairman declares that Siumut must return to its roots – and perhaps leave the coalition?

In the gray conference room at Hotel Hans Egede, the votes for Siumut’s presidential election had just been counted.:

– With 23 votes to 19, we can now proclaim Aleqa Hammond as the new chairman, says the board of directors.

This is how a battle between the party’s two wings ended – for now.

On the one hand was Kim Kielsen, who first supported Ineqi Kielsen as chairman, when he thought that Vivian Motzfeldt was about to lose the election. 

But Ineqi Kielsen declared shortly before the break for the presidential election that he would not accept the nomination. After that, the Kielsen wing – which also included Siumut Ungdom – put their forces behind Vivian Motzfeldt.

On the other side of the horseshoe table setup sat Erik Jensen with his wing, who supported Aleqa Hammond.

It was the same Erik Jensen who invited Aleqa Hammond back into the party in 2021, after her exclusion in 2015 and her many scandals about careless handling of both the Self-Government and the Folketing’s money.

KNR caught up with Aleqa Hammond for an interview after her victory.

The result was very close – only a difference of four votes. Is this a sign of division?

The result was very close – only a difference of four votes. Is this a sign of division?

– I actually think it was exciting. We were two women running – for the first time in Siumut’s history. We made history together, and we were both wanted. I don’t see it as a division, but as a sign of commitment and interest.

Humble woman of steel

Aleqa Hammond is known as a woman who speaks her mind and is not afraid to make herself unpopular. 

In her victory speech to the assembly, she also told a story about how her mother had once described her as being made of steel.

But Aleqa Hammond didn’t just show up as the usual “woman of steel.” Her charisma was also marked by a quiet humility that was evident when she asked for forgiveness for past scandals.

– In my opening speech, I apologized to the members of Siumut for the negative attention that my personal circumstances had previously caused. But now it is time to move on. It is time for renewal. And the energy must be spent on politics, she said afterwards.

It wasn’t her own idea to run for chairman, she says. But she hasn’t shied away from making her position known.

– I have often thought about Greenland’s position as the pressure from the outside world has grown. And when I have spoken out about it, I have felt that many – including people outside Siumut – have missed someone who speaks from a similar approach to mine. After repeated calls, I have felt it my duty to come forward.

Siumut i mulig opposition

At the beginning of June, Erik Jensen aired his thoughts that Siumut should consider leaving the coalition.

It is easy to think that Aleqa Hammond shares the same thoughts as the wing that elected her. But when asked about the subject, she does not come up with a clear answer.

– And if a policy is pursued that conflicts with Siumut’s objectives, there should be no doubt that we will react. Therefore, it is important that we closely follow and evaluate all political negotiations based on our values.

Does this mean that you will remain in the government collaboration for the time being?

Does this mean that you will remain in the government partnership for the time being?

– No other decision has been made.

How do you see the coming days?

How do you see the coming days?

– People have to get up early, and some of the board members have to travel. When that’s over, we’ll start holding meetings and developing our strategy.

End of top management

One of the major points of contention leading up to the general assembly has been the extent to which the local associations are connected to the party leadership.

Here, the local associations have expressed that there has been too much top management in the party, that they have had difficulty getting in touch with the now outgoing chairman, and that the party has forgotten its voters.

If we look at the national meeting here in recent days, it seemed as if Siumut had moved away from its fundamental values. What do you think has been neglected?

If we look at the national meeting here in recent days, it seemed as if Siumut had moved away from its fundamental values. What do you think has been neglected?

– It is especially those who live in the outer districts, the fishermen, the workers, the socially vulnerable, the homeless and young people – those whom society misses and who have weaker positions and who Siumut originally stood strongly with and fought for – who feel left behind and no longer protected. I will work to rectify that.

– I promise that the local branches are our strength, our resources and the foundation of Siumut. I have previously benefited greatly from the cooperation with them as chairman. People felt involved and participated actively – I want to revive that spirit of community.