Vivian Motzfeldt leaves Greenland’s Siumut party over government withdrawal
Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s former foreign and research minister, has resigned from the Siumut party in protest after its leadership pulled out of the governing coalition, DR reports.
Motzfeldt, who will continue as an independent member of Greenland’s parliament, Inatsisartut, criticised the party’s decision to step back from government responsibilities. “I cannot understand how one can have a political organisation and think it’s best to be on the sidelines instead of helping to address our challenges,” she told DR. “Taking responsibility and working together is the spirit I believe in, and I no longer find that in Siumut.”
Her departure follows Siumut’s announcement last Friday that it would leave the coalition government, triggering a reshuffle. Acting Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen has temporarily assumed her former ministerial roles until a permanent redistribution of portfolios is confirmed.
Key role in US-Greenland relations
Motzfeldt gained international attention in January when she and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen met with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Senator Marco Rubio in Washington. The talks, described as pivotal, came after repeated statements by former US President Donald Trump about acquiring Greenland. A working group was established to ease tensions and restore normal relations.
Reflecting on her time in office, Motzfeldt called the experience “bittersweet.” “It’s been incredibly meaningful work, and I took great pride in the trust placed in me,” she said. She emphasised the value of respectful diplomacy: “If you meet others with respect, you earn respect in return—and that’s how you achieve results.”
When asked if she would reconsider the foreign minister post if offered, Motzfeldt deferred to the premier’s authority. “I’ve said I’ll focus on solutions, not blame,” she stated. “For now, I’m an independent MP, and the future will decide the rest.”
DR has sought comment from Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen.