Politicians from across the nation have convened today in Nuuk, marking the beginning of this year’s spring meeting.
As always, the proceedings can be followed on KNR 2, and for those preferring Danish, additional coverage is available on the Inatsisartut’s website.
Among the key items on today’s agenda is the election of the chairman of Inatsisartut. Kim Kielsen, the current chairman who departed from Siumut earlier this year, is up for re-election alongside the introduction of four new members set to join the government, or naalakkersuisut. These new appointments come after Mads Pedersen (IA), Bentiaraq Ottosen (A), Naaja H. Nathanielsen (IA), and Vivian Motzfeldt (independent) each resigned for various reasons since the coalition was formed in April of last year.
The Chairman of Inatsisartut
The first significant decision to be made is concerning the chairmanship of Inatsisartut. The Demokraatit party has nominated Kim Kielsen, indicating a potential continuation in his role.
Having spent 41 years with Siumut, Kielsen left the party last month due to disagreements with its decision to withdraw from the government. However, he remains in a position to continue as chairman through a technical cooperation agreement he has established with various coalition parties. Both he and Vivian Motzfeldt have pledged their support for the current coalition.
Motzfeldt has been proposed as an alternate chair.
Notably, both Naleraq and Siumut opted to abstain from voting on the chairmanship matter. Nevertheless, Naleraq did express their support for Kielsen, even while casting a blank vote.
Ultimately, Kielsen secured 18 votes in favor of his continuation, with Motzfeldt as the alternate. There were no opposing votes, while 10 were cast blank.
Joining the presidency alongside Kielsen and Motzfeldt are Mimi Karlsen, Pipaluk Lynge, Aki Mathilda Høegh-Dam, and Kuno Fencker.
The Four New Members of Naalakkersuisut
From the podium, Jens-Frederik Nielsen (D) has put forward nominees for the new members of Naalakkersuisut.
The proposed new members are Marianne Paviasen (IA), Jørgen Rosbach (D), Iddimanngiiu Bianco (IA), and Maritha Broberg (A).
Jens Napãtôk from Naleraq announced that his party will not support this nomination, citing concerns about appointing members who have already sought positions in Denmark. His sentiment was echoed by Erik Jensen, the spokesperson for Siumut, which will also refrain from voting.
The Newly Formed Naalakkersuisut
The updated lineup and distribution of responsibilities within the new Naalakkersuisut have been published on the Inatsisartut’s website.
The chairman of Naalakkersuisut will be Jens-Frederik Nielsen (D). The ministers are as follows:
- Naalakkersuisoq for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Raw Materials: Múte B. Egede (IA)
- Naalakkersuisoq for Finance: Aqqaluaq B. Egede (IA)
- Naalakkersuisoq for Education, Culture, Sports and Church: Nivi Olsen (D)
- Naalakkersuisoq for Environment, Nature, Energy, and Research: Jørgen Rosbach (D)
- Naalakkersuisoq for Children, Young People, Justice, and Equality: Mariane Paviasen Jensen (IA)
- Naalakkersuisoq for Health and Persons with Disabilities: Anna Wangenheim (D)
- Naalakkersuisoq for Housing, Infrastructure, Outer Districts, and Preparedness: Iddimanngiiu Jensen Bianco (IA)
- Naalakkersuisoq for Fishing, Agriculture, and Self-sufficiency: Peter Borg (D)
- Naalakkersuisoq for Social Affairs, Labor Market, Families, and Home Affairs: Maritha Broberg (A)
New Responsibilities in the Cabinet
This new cabinet introduces significant changes in responsibilities. Múte B. Egede assumes the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs, covering areas previously held by Vivian Motzfeldt, as well as business and raw materials tasks from Naaja H. Nathanielsen.
Aqqaluaq B. Egede will take on the Finance portfolio, succeeding Múte B. Egede.
Mariane Paviasen Jensen will now oversee matters concerning children and young people, areas formerly managed by Mads Pedersen, in addition to her duties related to justice and equality.
Maritha Broberg has stepped into the roles of social affairs and labor, previously the province of Bentiaraq Ottosen, who resigned in November.
The voting concluded with 18 in favor of the new cabinet, and no objections registered, paving the way for its official adoption.
“Thank you for your trust,” said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the new chairman of Naalakkersuisut, expressing his gratitude from the podium.